Real Madrid will sell Martin Odegaard if the Arsenal target insists on leaving the La Liga side and they receive offers worth at least €50m (£42.5m) this summer, according to ESPN.
Los Blancos chiefs are split over how to deal with Odegaard’s future, with the Norwegian concerned over his minutes. Some believe Carlo Ancelotti can convince the 22-year-old to stay and fight for his place, as Real Madrid view Odegaard as Luka Modric’s eventual heir.
Others, however, worry Odegaard is not up for the fight and will look to quit the Galacticos. Another loan exit after spending the second half of last term at Arsenal is ruled out, as Real would need the funds his exit can provide amid pandemic induced difficulties in Spain.
Real Madrid expect the next two weeks will be crucial in deciding Odegaard’s future amid continued interest from Arsenal. The La Liga giants know Mikel Arteta is keen to take the midfielder back to north London. And the Spaniard will move if he does become available.
Ancelotti will speak with Odegaard to discuss his place in the Italian’s plans before Madrid make a final decision. The former Everton boss is not placing too much importance on the maestro’s poor pre-season, having struggled in three warm-up fixtures for the new term.
Some Real Madrid chiefs hope Ancelotti can do enough to keep Odegaard from Arsenal’s clutches. Modric, 35, has one year remaining on his £294,000-per-week contract. While Toni Kroos, 31, and Casemiro, 29, add to make up an ageing unit that will need refreshing.
Arsenal have contract ready for Odegaard if Real Madrid sell
ESPN’s report comes just a day after Defensa Central claimed Arsenal have a contract ready for Real Madrid star Odegaard. Arteta is urging the Gunners to bring the 30-cap international back to the Emirates Stadium, having long been his top No 10 target.
Arsenal are now ready to pay Odegaard well and will eclipse his Real Madrid wage if Arteta lands his man. The Gunners will offer him €7m-a-year (£115k-p/w) to re-join permanently, up on his €4.5-5m-a-year (£73k-82k-p/w) Galacticos deal.
Arsenal would still need to pay Real Madrid their €50m (£42.5m) asking price, though. And that could be the final hurdle between Arteta and Odegaard reuniting next season.
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