Real Madrid are prepared to sell Martin Odegaard if he continues to insist on leaving the club – but he will not be cheap if Arsenal want to sign him on a permanent contract.
The Norwegian impressed the Emirates in the second half of last season after he was frozen out under Zinedine Zidane in Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti’s return as manager promised to give him a fresh start, but reports have indicated that he feels his time at the Bernabeu is over and wants to return to Arsenal this summer.
Odegaard spent time on loan at Arsenal last season / Pool / Getty Images
His position has come as a disappointment for Madrid, who are not expected to make any major signings this summer and want Odegaard to fight for his place under Ancelotti. ESPN reports that they are prepared to sell him if he does not change – but not for less than 50 million euros (42.5 million pounds).
Once upon a time it would have seemed too steep for Arsenal, but they are not moving this summer. Having already signed Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht, they will drop £ 50m on Brighton’s Ben White, and their next deal is an attacking midfielder – with Leicester’s James Maddison among the strongly linked.
Speaking on social media already in June, Odegaard said: “Arsenal, thank you so much for these six months. My time with the Arsenal family will always have a special place in my heart.
“I want to thank everyone in and around the club for how you made me feel part of the family since day one. A special thank you to the fans, even without you at the stadium for most of the season, I felt with you all the time.
“A big thank you to the manager and his staff for everything I have learned during my stay.
“Thank you also to all my teammates for a fantastic time on and off the pitch. Will miss you all. “
