Arsenal look to have finally sealed a deal in terms of incomings this month.
Fresh Arsenal understands that Martin Odegaard of Real Madrid is on his way to the club on an initial loan deal, this news is backed up by several sources in Spain this morning.
Odegaard has struggled to break into the Real Madrid first team this season and in recent months his game time has become extremely limited. As he looked for a loan move, a huge amount of interest arrived, including from Real Sociedad, several Eredivisie clubs, Arsenal and another unnamed Premier League club, according to SkySports.
The 22 year-old playmaker will help bring much needed creativity and depth to Arsenal’s attacking midfield options. The youngster excelled in terms of goals and assists whilst on loan at Real Sociedad last season and his arrival will help ease the creative burden on Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka’s shoulders. Odegaard is capable of playing as a wide creator, similar to how Saka has been deployed recently, but his natural position is as a number 10.
Whilst there is not thought to be an option to buy in the initial contract, Arsenal are likely to sit down with Madrid at the end of the season and assess the situation. Should Odegaard enjoy his time at the club and get plenty of first team minutes, he may push for the move to be permanent, especially if Zidane is still at the helm in Madrid. The player is currently valued at £36m on TransferMarkt, but Arsenal will find his value may rise if his performances in England impress.