Reported Arsenal target Martin Odegaard has told TV2 that he will be at Real Madrid next season.
Arsenal interest
Odegaard spent the second half of last season on loan at Arsenal from Spanish and European giants Madrid.
The Athletic reported last month that the Norway international attacking midfielder was Arsenal’s top target in the summer transfer window.
We covered the report here on HITC Sport at the time.
Goal journalist Charles Watts said on his YouTube channel this month that the Gunners are interested in the 22-year-old – valued by Madrid at €60 million (£51.27 million), according to Defensa Central.
What Martin Odegaard has said
Odegaard has now said that he plans to stay at Madrid and work under (new) manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The youngster told TV2, as transcribed by Football.London: “Real Madrid have been clear that they would like me back. So then it will be time to go there when the training starts up again.
“Of course it has always been a dream to play there. I have been in the club for over six years now, and that has always been the goal.
“I always want to play, I have said that all the time. Playing hard is important.”
Blow for Arsenal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta rates Odegaard highly, and the midfielder’s comments will be a blow for him.
The attacking midfielder did well during his loan spell at the Gunners.
Odegaard made nine starts and five substitute appearances in the Premier League.
The 22-year-old scored one goal and gave two assists in those matches.
The Norwegian also scored one goal in six Europa League matches for the North London club.
So, Arsenal will now have to look at other options in attacking midfield.
James Maddison of Leicester City, perhaps…
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