The agent of Martin Odegaard has told Real Madrid that the midfielder has doubts over his future at the club, per Marca, amid efforts by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to agree a transfer.
Odegaard is concerned that he faces a similar situation at Los Blancos next term to what he left under Zinedine Zidane to join the Gunners on loan last season. He is not convinced that the Italian will afford him a prominent role with several seemingly ahead in his thoughts.
Ancelotti has favoured Luka Modric, Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde over the summer since taking charge in June. But Odegaard will not hesitate to agitate for a transfer if the picture remains the same. He has no interest in staying put, only to fight for minutes.
Odegaard is dead set on his desires to feel important at whichever side he represents next season. Real Madrid will not keep an unhappy player if that is the case, and view him as a marketable asset. Especially with Arsenal still pushing to re-sign Odegaard if it’s possible.
Reports by ESPN last month noted Real Madrid would sell Odegaard if he pushed for a move away from the Spanish capital, knowing Arteta wants him back at Arsenal. But the Gunners would also have to pay €50m (£42.5m) to purchase the 22-year-old this summer.
Yet the price may not be a problem for the Emirates Stadium natives. 90min now claim Arsenal have reopened talks with Real Madrid over a permanent north London return for Odegaard. Their claims followed Mundo Deportivo saying Arteta had again urged a deal.
Odegaard could almost double his wage by joining Arsenal permanently from Real Madrid, too. Defensa Central report the Gunners have a €7m-a-year (£114k-p/w) contract ready for his signature, up on his current €4.5-5m-a-year (£73k-81k-p/w) Galacticos salary.
Ancelotti hands Arsenal boost in Arteta’s pursuit of Real Madrid maestro Odegaard
Real Madrid head coach Ancelotti handed Arsenal a boost in Arteta’s pursuit of Odegaard recently, as well. AS note the former Everton boss favours Isco and Modric, as the Norwegian failed to impress him during pre-season.
Ancelotti considering Odegaard his third-choice for the role also supports Marca’s claims of the midfielder questioning his Galacticos future. Together, they certainly suggest he is not up for the fight for minutes and may waltz back in at Arsenal.
Odegaard started nine of his 14 Premier League appearances and five of six Europa League outings for Arsenal last season. He also offered Arteta two goals and two assists while on loan from Real Madrid, to earn the Spaniard’s praise.
“He’s showing that [he’s a leader], I think, from week one,” Arteta said in March, via quotes by the Mirror. “The way he steps on the pitch, he always wants the ball, the way he commands the pressing. He’s been really influential.
“I think we’ve all been a bit surprised because he looks really shy and humble. But when he steps on that pitch, he’s a real character and he loves to play football.”
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