Arsenal are set to sign Norway international Martin Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid for the remainder of the 2020/21 season, with the midfielder frustrated with his lack of chances with Los Blancos since returning to the club in the summer latest.
At a time when every big club in Europe wanted a piece of him, Odegaard joined Real in 2015 at the age of just 16. Arnhem and Real Sociedad have been successful.
This final spell in San Sebastian was set to last for two years, but his form for the Basque side – playing 31 times in La Liga as they finished sixth, prompted his parent club to recall him early.
Odegaard made his first league appearance for Los Blancos in more than five years when he lined up against Real Sociedad during the opening weekend of the 2020/21 season. But despite a few injury spells, he didn’t have the chances he thought he would have when he returned early.
When it became clear he wanted to come back on loan, Arsenal stormed in.
How much will Arsenal pay for Martin Odegaard?
Despite being only a loan, Arsenal are still expected to pay a loan fee of £ 1.8million. Taking into account the fact that the Gunners will also pay a portion of Odegaard’s £ 38,000 weekly salary, their total investment in the player for the next four months will be around £ 2.8million.
There is, however, no option to make the agreement permanent. This means that if Arsenal are to keep Odegaard longer than the short-term loan, they will have to persuade Real to sell in further negotiations, while potentially also dealing with rival suitors.
Which jersey number will Martin Odegaard wear for Arsenal?
Mesut Ozil’s free transfer to Fenerbahce leaves Arsenal’s number ten jersey available, which would suit Odegaard as an attacking midfielder. It’s also the jersey he already wears internationally for Norway as the team’s main source of creativity.
The player recently brought ten to club level in his second season on loan at Heerenveen.
The number 11 is also free at Arsenal and Odegaard has worn it sporadically in the past for Norway and Real Madrid Castilla. His current shirt number at Real is 21, which he also wore for Real Sociedad, but which is currently occupied at Arsenal by Calum Chambers.
His much greater attachment, however, is ten. Besides Ozil, it has been worn in the past at Arsenal by Gunner legends Dennis Bergkamp and Paul Merson, as well as Jack Wilshere, Robin van Persie and, rather bizarrely, William Gallas.
What is Martin Odegaard’s FIFA 21 or PES 21 classification?
As an attacking midfielder, Odegaard’s standard FIFA card is rated at a respectable 83. He scores well in offensive attributes, coming in at 78 for pace, 75 for shooting, 84 for assists and 84 for dribbling. Premium Ultimate Team Special Cards are also available with an overall rating of 85.
His potential in FIFA 21 career mode reaches 89, while he has five star skills.
If you’re more of a Pro Evolution Soccer player, their PES 21 rating is also 83.
What were Arsenal’s other options?
Arsenal have been linked with a handful of players who would have fulfilled a similar role had they not made a deal to sign Odegaard.
Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard is a name that has been linked over a span of several months, although he now appears likely to join West Ham on loan.
Another who has often been assumed to be an Arsenal target in recent years is Julian Draxler. There are new rumors that PSG are interested in offering some sort of swap deal that sees them land Matteo Guendouzi, but it is likely that Draxler will stay in Paris at least until the summer.
Papu Gomez should leave Atalanta, but journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted Last week, the almost 32-year-old Argentine, who reportedly fell out with coach Gian Piero Gasperini, was not seen as an option by Arsenal’s hierarchy and should join Sevilla instead.
Romano also said that interest in Emi Buendia never extended to official talks with Norwich after initial informal contact with his representatives. The Canaries have also reportedly asked for £ 50million for the league midfielder.
For more than Jamie Spencer, follow it on Twitter and Facebook!
