Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta didn’t confirm it, and yet he kind of did.
Speculation is rife that the Gunners are chasing Real Madrid talent Martin Odegaard who, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, would be an Arsenal player today.
All the signs are pointing toward Odegaard joining the North Londoners.
And although Arteta didn’t outright confirm the club’s interest, he did heavily hint that a deal was in the works.
Speaking to Football London after Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat by Southampton today, the Spaniard said that he didn’t know the latest, but revealed that he would be receiving ‘phone calls’ later.
He said: “Obviously we played today. Since last night I don’t have any news. Probably I will get a few phone calls today and see where we are with every deal.”
The fact that Arteta has effectively confirmed that he is a target is very good news for Arsenal.
The 38-year-old usually side-steps questions about other teams’ players but the fact that he has acknowledged Odegaard is a strong indication that it’s going to be finalised.
Arteta’s side are back on the South Coast on Tuesday for another clash with Southampton, which might be too early for the Odegaard deal to be completed, but they do host Manchester United next Saturday and what a potential debut game that could be.
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