Mikel Arteta has excitingly told Football London that Arsenal are now ‘close’ to completing the transfer of Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal beat Southampton 3-1 last night, and Arteta put the icing on the cake for Gunners fans by stating that Odegaard’s deal was on the verge of being completed.
“I think we are pretty close but it’s not finalised it as I understand it,” he said.
“I haven’t spoken to Edu or the club in the last few hours but we’re very positive that we’ll finalise the deal.”
Arteta’s comments are the first time that he has officially confirmed Arsenal’s interest in Odegaard.
They are seriously exciting as Arteta surely would have batted away any questions about Odegaard, if he felt there was any chance that the deal wouldn’t go through.
Gunners fans actually had hoped that the deal would have been announced already, but it seems that the transfer still has some work to do before it can officially be completed.
Odegaard is expected to inject creativity and class into Arsenal’s attack following his arrival.
The importance of signing the Norwegian was highlighted last night too, as Emile Smith Rowe struggled with a knock.
Smith Rowe impressed again, but Arteta said that the youngster simply cannot be relied on to start every game, and it is expected that Odegaard will get plenty of action between now and the end of the season.
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