Mikel Arteta’s insistence helped Arsenal clinch a deal for Martin Odegaard, according to ABC.
What’s the story?
A move for the Norway international only lacks the official confirmation. And the Spanish publication believes the fee to be €40m + €10m in add ons, a total of £43m.
Real Madrid will be making a hefty profit on the player they signed as a 16-year-old. Los Blancos only paid €3m (£2.6m) for the midfielder who they signed from Stromsgodset in 2015.
Obviously, this is not the first time the 22-year-old will be stepping foot inside north London. Arteta was also key in convincing Odegaard to make the temporary move to N5 back in January.
However, it is yet to be confirmed if the player will be available for the clash with Chelsea this Sunday. Arsenal have until 12pm today to register Odegaard with a view to him featuring against the Blues.
Arteta’s stance may have saved Arsenal season
Arteta’s drive to sign Odegaard may have saved Arsenal.
For a year now, the club’s lack of creativity has been quite noticeable. The Gunners have lacked a real number 10 ever since Mesut Ozil was frozen out by the ‘genius’ Spanish manager.
However, when Odegaard joined in the January window, there were a few signs of revitalisation in the Gunners’ attack.
The Norway international has the ability to pick a pass to cut open defences.
His ability could be the driving force for the Gunners if they are to qualify for Europe this campaign.
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