In a recent report, The Daily Mail has stated that Arsenal are eager to keep Martin Odegaard, who is playing on-loan from Real Madrid, for another season. It is understood that the Gunners are hoping to open talks with Los Blancos this summer over a potential move either on loan or permanently to keep the Norwegian sensation at the Emirates Stadium for the 2021-22 campaign (via The Daily Mail).
Odegaard’s Recent Loan Spell At The English Capital
The 22-year-old has given a good account of himself since making a loan switch from Madrid in January. He has caught the eye by producing a few impressive displays for Mikel Arteta’s side in recent weeks. However, Odegaard has just scored one goal in ten appearances during his loan spell with the Gunners across various competitions.
The Drammen-born talent has also struggled to be productive with his performances as an attacking midfielder as he is averaging 1.0 shots, 0.9 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per game in the Premier League. Still, he deserves credit for being tidy when distributing possession in the attacking end of the pitch, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 90.5% in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
If Odegaard can prove his worth as a consistent performer in Arteta’s first-team in the remainder of this campaign, the Gunners would be wise to keep him at the club for another year so that they have a squad capable of challenging for a UEFA Champions League spot next season.
What Does The Norwegian Sensation Offer On The Pitch?
Odegaard has got decent pace under his belt and is an exciting dribbler with the ball at his feet. He hardly gives away the ball and has got a wide range of passes in his locker. The 25-time Norway international has got excellent ball-control, agility and balance to keep possession moving in tight spaces. He has even got the vision to create plays for others around him.
Despite all his talents, Odegaard needs to figure out a way to be productive with his goals and assists numbers in the coming seasons. For that to happen, he has to play regularly which Arteta can afford to offer him at the Emirates Stadium in the upcoming campaign.
Arsenal Hoping To Keep Odegaard For Another Season: Wise Decision By The Gunners?
With all things considered, it seems like the North Londoners are making the right call by planning to keep Odegaard beyond the end of this campaign. He has the potential to become a future star at the highest level, so Arteta would be wise to get him on board for the 2021-22 season. He has already started to show good chemistry with his Arsenal teammates and could potentially be a good performer for them next season.
