Arsenal continue to grow in confidence ahead of a deal to sign Real Madrid midfielder Martin Odegaard, who spent the second half of last season on loan at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite Arsenal’s desire to keep him, Odegaard returned to Madrid at the end of the campaign in hopes of establishing himself with Los Blancos.
But the 22-year-old Norwegian, who is liked by Real coach Carlo Ancelotti, is unlikely to have the command in the usual place he longs for and is free to leave if a deal can be agreed.
90min revealed earlier this month that talks between Arsenal and Real about Odegaard had started again after sporadic contact had been maintained throughout the summer.
Sources have already confirmed for 90 minutes that there is a conviction from both clubs and the player’s camp that a deal will increasingly be agreed. Real have wanted direct sales to go through this summer, while Arsenal were hoping for a loan with an option or obligation to buy next year, and both potential deals have been discussed by the clubs.
David Ornstein from The Athletic now writes that an agreement on permanent transfer is “close”. The most important breakthrough has not yet been reached, but it is said that Odegaard did not train as usual with Real on Tuesday before the potential transfer.
An attacking midfielder is a central part of Arsenal’s summer transfer strategy. The Gunners set out with the ambition of signing a center-back, full-back, goalkeeper and two midfielders, who already bowed out three of them in the form of Ben White, Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Odegaard spent the second half of last season on loan at Arsenal / Pool / Getty Images
Arsenal had hopes of spending up to £ 250m on the right people as part of a major overhaul and have specifically targeted players under 25 with the potential to both develop at the club and increase value in the long run.
It was hoped that a number of players would be able to leave to finance the big budget, but so far only Joe Willock has left the club for a cash sum and gone to Newcastle for up to £ 25 million.
For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter and Facebook!
