Ian Wright has reiterated on the Ringer FC podcast that Arsenal has to keep hold of Martin Odegaard permanently if it is possible.
The midfielder joined the Gunners on loan from Real Madrid in the last transfer window and he has been one of their key players in this campaign.
His fine form has also helped Arsenal to get some big results since he moved to London.
One of the highlights of his time at the Emirates came in Arsenal’s last league game against West Ham.
The Hammers raced to a 3-0 lead as the Gunners made a slow start to the match.
Odegaard was a key part of Arsenal’s reemergence in the game as they ended it with a point in a 3-3 draw.
Wright says he thought the midfielder would struggle against a Hammers midfield that is leading David Moyes’ side towards European football.
However, that wasn’t the case because the Norwegian delivered and he urged Arsenal to do whatever it takes to sign him.
The Gunners legend said: “Watching Odegaard play for Arsenal, I’m so happy and so sad.
“I was thinking with this West Ham United game it was going to be different. You’ve got (Tomas) Soucek and (Declan) Rice. He’s going to be playing in that area with some real ballers with him.
“Before the game I was saying: ‘I want to see how he does.’ Not only does he excel, we go 3-0 down and the man is literally just showing up.”
He adds: “On the half-turn, quick-thinking, passing. As soon as (Odegaard) gets it, he already knows what he’s doing. We have to find a way to sign him. He is the one.
“We are talking about a guy who is very slight but doesn’t get himself into that kind of traffic or trouble.
“Arteta must be on the sideline thinking: ‘This is what I need. This is the guy.’ He is the first person to press, win the ball. (He is) so efficient on the ball.
“This is a player we need. He looks so impressive.”
He’s just got injured for Norway and been subbed off. Looks like a twisted ankle.
Arsenal has not had a no 10 since Ozil was in his pomp 5 years ago. So any one who can do anything remotely useful looks good in an Arsenal midfield devoid of creativity or class. I fear Odegaard is just a little better than the tripe served up at 10 these past few years. I also fear he is playing for his future and once he secures a suitable contract he will revert to cruise mode. With Arsenals dire financial situation unless we can sign him for south of 10 mill or do a creative deal I see loan written all over this player. While I like the guy ESR for free 3 years younger and one of our own makes far more sense. Loan before you own is the caper
The only way we can sign Odegaard on permanent is in his 30s. His release clause is 350 million, which is around the price of our starting 11. Instead of dreaming the impossible, let’s just enjoy him while his loan lasts and pray for another one.
Leno – 22
Bellerin/Cedric/Chambers – 19
Tierney – 24
Luiz – 8
Gabriel – 23
Xhaka – 40
Partey – 45
Saka/Pepe – 72
ESR – 0
Aubameyang – 57
Lacazette – 48