Nigel Winterburn has told Goal that Arsenal must sign a creative midfielder this summer, but predicts any pursuit of Real Madrid maestro Martin Odegaard will go down to the wire.
The Gunners open the new Premier League campaign against Brentford, having failed to address their lack of creativity. Mikel Arteta marked Odegaard as Arsenal’s top target as he wants an option who can unpick locks, per The Athletic.
But Real Madrid have so far resisted Technical Director Edu’s attempts to bring Odegaard back to Arsenal. Defensa Central claim they rejected a €50m (£42.5m) offer, insisting that he is worth €60m-70m (£51m-59.5m).
Winterburn understands why Arteta wants Arsenal to re-sign Odegaard from Real Madrid following his loan. But predicts their pursuit will go down to the wire. He said:
“They’ll have to play the waiting game if Odegaard is the one they want because he’s a Real Madrid player. Unless he’s going to get game time there, then I imagine he’ll look to push for a move away either on loan or permanently.
“Arsenal will know that he’s an option and they’ll push for it if it becomes available, considering he was with us last season. I think it’s one that goes to the wire. It’ll be twitchy for the Arsenal supporters until we address that position.
“Obviously, we have Emile Smith Rowe, who can play in that area or out wide to allow Odegaard to come in. He could switch back into the middle and allow someone else to move out wide. But I think we need someone in, as well. Arteta knows Odegaard and he was instrumental in bringing him in last season. So, that will be a strong option again.”
Odegaard offers Arsenal more than creativity if Arteta seals Real Madrid deal
Odegaard would offer Arsenal more than just creativity if Arteta and Edu seal a permanent summer transfer with Real Madrid. The Athletic note the Norwegian left a big impression in north London during his loan with his character and leadership.
Arteta even praised Odegaard for the leadership the Real Madrid maestro offered Arsenal in February. So it is of little surprise that Winterburn expects his former side to target the Norway captain. Claiming, via Sky Sports: “On the pitch he is showing a lot of character and a lot of intelligence. They are characteristics that a leader should have.”
But Arsenal may have to improve their offer to add Odegaard to Arsenal’s ranks, backing up Winterburn’s expectations of a long-drawn battle to prise him from Real Madrid again.
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