Arsenal are ‘cautiously optimistic’ of signing Martin Odegaard, believing that he wants the move and personal terms won’t be a problem.
That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, who made the claims live on air on Monday evening.
Sheth believes that Arsenal have a real chance of securing Odegaard’s signature before the transfer window slams shut, with talks ongoing with Real Madrid.
“Talks between Arsenal and Real Madrid are continuing over the signing of the attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard,” said Sheth. “Discussions are centering on the structure of a deal, we think that Real Madrid’s asking price is between £35million to £40million.”
“Personal terms are not expected to be a problem, Arsenal believe Odegaard does want to return to the club, and they are cautiously optimistic of getting a deal done. Odegaard, significantly, was left out of the Real Madrid squad for their opening game of the season against Alaves, and is yet to actually be given a squad number for this season. He was number 21 for Real Madrid last season, but that number has been assigned now to Rodrygo,” he added.
Odegaard joined Arsenal on loan from Real in January, but no permanent option was included in the deal with Real reluctant to agree to such terms.
The Norwegian playmaker impressed in North London, recording two goals and two assists in 20 games under Mikel Arteta.
Arteta was a huge fan of Odegaard, branding him ‘so talented’ whilst adding that he has ‘incredible’ work rate and real intelligence both on and off the ball.
With Odegaard still on the fringes at Real even after Zinedine Zidane’s exit, the 22-year-old may finally be ready to turn his back on the Spanish giants and commit his future to Arsenal.
The Mirror reported over the weekend that Odegaard’s agents are expected in London to thrash out a deal, and this latest update again points towards Arsenal pulling off a big deal.
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