Martin Odegaard joined Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid in January and appears to have settled quickly into the team, but where his future lies after that unknown.
The Gunners are not believed to have any option to buy or extend his current loan included in his current deal, but his future is being speculated at present.
I have read opinions that claim that Odegaard would not be looking to return to the Bernabeu if Zinedine Zidane was to remain in charge, having grown frustrated with a lack of playing time under the manager this season.
It was down to this which is believed to have led to his switch to the Emirates in the first place, but new reports seem to claim that while Real Madrid initially had no interest in parting with Odegaard, they are now looking to use him as a makeweight in a deal.
Mundo Deportivo (via the Mirror) claim that Real are open to the player’s exit, but have the intention to use him as a makeweight in their pursuit of Erling Haaland, who has emerged as one of hottest properties in World football.
Arsenal have the advantage of making the midfielder comfortable in North London over the coming months however, but news that Real Madrid are already considering his exit could well make for an interesting summer for us.
Has Odegaard already made an impression for Arsenal?
While he is clearly highly skilled with the ball and works hard to regain possession , he lacks the pace to really hurt opposition defenders in one for one situations.Against Man City , our midfield trio was slow and pedestrian and rarely caused problems.From what I have seen I have doubts of Odegaard making a real impression on the EPL , but I hope I am proved wrong.
You need to give him time, the PL is a difficult place to come to and make an impact straight away, plus Arteta’s negative tactics of pass the ball backwards all the time doesn’t really help
We dont need him, we need something different than he can bring. So far anyway.
So far, the only worthwhile thing he has done is keep Smith-Rowe out of the team against Man City (I think the lad needed a rest). Otherwise he has been ineffective. He might get better over time, but can Arsenal afford to let him learn on the Job at this stage in the season? Personally I think he is a little lightweight for the EPL. Maybe if he gets a little stronger he might improve his game, but based upon what I have seen so far, I don’t think he is as good an EPL player as Reiss Nelson.
On the subject of Reiss Nelson JW, what has happened to him?I had high hopes for him this season but he has rarely figured in our match day player pool.Has he been injured?