Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted that he tried to sign Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard at Bayern Munich.
Famously, the £30 million (Sky Sports) man was touring every top European club as a teenager to decide his transfer destination before eventually picking Real Madrid.
As Manchester City prepare to face Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola has lavished praise on to Martin Odegaard.
Guardiola raves about Odegaard ahead of Man City vs Arsenal
The Norwegian captain has showcased his class for the league leaders this campaign, staking a claim for being the best midfielder in the English top-flight alongside Kevin De Bruyne.
With 12 goals and seven assists to his name this campaign, the silky No.10 has been a class apart for Mikel Arteta’s side.
In his press conference ahead of his side’s upcoming clash against Arsenal, Pep Guardiola has admitted that he tried to sign Martin Odegaard during his time as Bayern manager.
“I remember Odegaard, years ag, he came with his father for 2 days of training sessions [in 2014]. I needed 5 minutes to think: this kid plays good!”, he said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
“He’s great player, really. Exceptional.”
It is impossible to deny how brilliant Odegaard is
Whether it be Manchester City tactician Pep Guardiola or the average fan, it is simply impossible to deny just how much of a special player Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard is.
The fact that Guardiola himself tried to sign the-then wonderkid just goes to show how naturally talented he has always been.
Thankfully, Odegaard’s talent has manifested onto the highest level as he continues to prove why the hype around his name was justified.
While some may prefer other attacking midfielders to the Gunners attacker, to understate his quality and impact would be disingenuous, especially at this point.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
