Martin Odegaard’s loan stint at Arsenal has come to an end with the Real Madrid man set to head back to the Spanish capital following a fine spell at the Gunners.
The Norwegian captain has become a fans’ favourite at the Emirates despite only making one appearance in front of the home fans but many Gunners supporters want to see the midfielder back for the new season.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has made his stance clear on the future of Odegaard and the Spaniard would love for the 22-year-old to remain a Gunner.
“We have a very clear and strong opinion on what we would like to do, but he’s not our player,” Arteta said after the 2-0 win over Brighton.
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“We will have to discuss in the next few weeks what and respect first of all because he’s a Real Madrid player and have those communications.
“We tried to make everything that we could to get Martin performing for the team, which I think he’s done. He has adapted really well to our way of playing and to our football club. Hopefully, we have given him as well the hope and the feeling that it could be a good place for him.”
Odegaard put in a fine performance against Brighton impressing the fans on their return to The Emirates and their first chance to see him in action.
Following the final whistle, the Norwegian was seen thanking the fans for their support and as spotted by football.london he was the last man to leave the pitch after walking around the pitch applauding the Gunners fans.
Whether that was a final goodbye from the Real Madrid man or not is yet to be seen but if Arteta gets his way then a full Emirates Stadium will get to enjoy watching the attacking-midfielder for years to come.
It is now over to Arsenal technical director Edu to get the deal done with Real Madrid and bring the star to London on a permanent transfer.
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Arteta was full of praise for Odegaard throughout the match with the manager heard encouraging his player constantly during the game.
Shouts of “Good Martin” and “Go Martin” each time he was on the ball were clearly heard above the noise of the 10,000 Arsenal fans.
Odegaard’s reaction to the Arsenal fans makes it seem like he wants to stay at the club and the Gunners want to keep him. The ball is now in Real Madrid’s court to see if they would be willing to sanction the move.