Fresh Twist Emerge On Arsenal Loanee Odegaard’s Contract

Martin Odegaard put pen to paper on a six-month £1.8million loan deal from Real Madrid to Arsenal this week.

But if boss Mikel Arteta, a huge fan of Odegaard, has anything to do with it, the Norwegian could stay in North London for much longer.

Asked about the prospect, the Spaniard said: “It will be down to two things. First of all, how well he adapts here and how much of an impact he can have in our team.

“Secondly, what Real Madrid and the player think about it because he’s owned by Real Madrid and the player has a big say in that too.”

Asked about what the 22-year-old midfielder adds to his current squad, Arteta continued: “I’ve followed him very closely because he played for Real Sociedad, which is my hometown.

“He’s a specialist to play in the pockets, to play in the No8 or 10 positions. He can play off the sides.

“He’s a really creative player who’s really comfortable on the ball in tight spaces. He has the capacity to create chances and to score goals.”