Arsenal hopes of bringing former loan midfielder Martin Odegaard back to the club have been dashed after he confirmed he was set to remain with Real Madrid.
The Norwegian spent the second half of last season onloan with the Gunners, impressing enough in his limited showings in order for Arsenal to attempt to extend that agreement.
Mikel Arteta is hoping to recruit a creative number 10 for next season and Odegaard was thought to be one of the options.
However, the player himself has confirmed his return to Real Madrid as part of the first-team set-up at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Speaking to Norwegian outlet TV2, the 22-year-old said: “Real Madrid have been clear that they would like me back. So then it will be time to go there when the training starts up again.”
Whilst he confirmed that conversations have not yet taken place with newly-appointed manager Carlo Ancelotti, Odegaard also revealed his personal aspirations of representing Los Blancos more regularly.
“Of course it has always been a dream to play there. I have been in the club for over six years now, and that has always been the goal,” he continued.
“I always want to play, I have said that all the time. Playing hard is important.”
The news will of course be a bitter blow to Mikel Arteta and Arsenal in their pursuit of a sought-after midfielder after he caught the eye across his 20 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions.
The summer window is officially open, and it’s going to be tough to keep up with the comings and goings in and out of the Emirates.
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Arsenal have already attempted to sign Emiliano Buendia but were beaten to his signature by Aston Villa.
Leicester City’s James Maddison remains on the club’s shortlist and football.london understands that they had a bid turned down for the English midfielder last season.
That offer reached £70million and the Gunners would have to sell this time around in order to buy.