Arsenal playmaker Martin Odegaard has told The Players’ Tribune that Liverpool and Manchester United wanted to sign him before he moved to Real Madrid.
Odegaard has named the clubs who were keen on him when he was at Strømsgodset, and among them were Liverpool and Manchester United.
The Norway international attacking midfielder eventually joined Real Madrid from Strømsgodset in 2015.
However, Odegaard, now 24, could not make a massive impact in the first team at the Spanish and European giants.
The playmaker had loan spells at Heerenveen, Vitesse and Real Sociedad before landing at Arsenal, first on loan and then on a permanent basis.
Odegaard has added that even back in 2015, he was close to joining Arsenal and had a conversation with then Gunners manager Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal star Martin Odegaard on past Liverpool and Manchester United interest
The playmaker said: “My dad handled everything with the clubs, and there were a lot.
“We went to Bayern, Dortmund, Man Utd, Liverpool, Madrid, Arsenal too. We got flown around in private planes and made to feel special.
“I’m not just saying this … I was actually close to choosing Arsenal. When we went there, I got to train at London Colney. I met Arsène Wenger.
“He took me and Dad out for dinner. That was cool, but strange too. It’s Arsène Wenger, you know? He’s this legend I grew up watching on TV, and now I’m sitting across from him eating steak. I was so nervous I was just sitting there thinking, Is he analysing me right now? Is he going to judge me if I eat the fries? Maybe I should just leave them. Hahaha!”
Perfect match
In our view, Arsenal and Martin Odegaard are perfect for each other.
The way Arsenal are playing their football under manager Mikel Arteta suits Odegaard perfectly.
The Norwegian is the creator-in-chief who has a Mesut Ozul vibe about him.
And he works defensively and off the ball as well.
Arsenal are at the top of the Premier League table at the moment, and one of the big reasons why is the form of Odegaard.
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