Arsenal: 3 Crucial Factors in Martin Odegaard Loan Pursuit

Arsenal have made an official approach to Real Madrid to sign Martin Odegaard on loan during the January transfer window.

Sprouting out of nowhere in typical transfer window fashion, the Norwegian playmaker was reported to be desperate to leave Los Blancos on loan, only to hours later be involved in discussions with Arsenal.

His name emerged to delight from supporters, whose excitement turned to angst as they saw the Gunners’ name highlighted among other interested parties.

In need of a temporary addition, one that could become permanent if all goes well, Odegaard’s name fits the bill as the supporting cast for Emile Smith Rowe. Young, eager and suited to the system, his addition would go down a treat in north London.

There are, however, three key factors that will determine the outcome of his immediate future.

3 crucial factors that will impact Arsenal signing Martin Odegaard

Importantly, the side most heavily linked with the 22-year-old other than Arsenal, Real Sociedad, will have a deciding say in the matter.

In many ways, it’s almost like home comforts for Martin Odegaard: he spent the entirety of last season on loan in the Basque Country and left a lasting impression on the club.

16 goal involvements across the season – amounting to 0.36/90 minutes – don’t tell the whole story, as the midfielder also recorded admirable creative statistics. La Real’s form dropped off in the second half of the season which coincided with Odegaard’s own limited output in regards to goals and assists, but his base statistics never dropped significantly.

Battling near the top of the table this season, Sociedad know adding more creativity into their side, not least one who won’t need an adjustment period, could have a deciding impact on whether they can secure a top four berth.

As per Guillem Balague and Cadena Ser in Spain, it’s a move both parties want. They’re waiting on Madrid’s decision and are hoping for a resolution. On top of that, a purchase option will be included, which undoubtedly places Sociedad in the driving seat.

That, however, doesn’t make the deal totally cut and dry.

Madrid are far from their best this season despite only losing three matches, and the possibility of dropping further down the table remains a distinct possibility. In loaning Odegaard to La Real, they could well be assisting a direct rival. Zinedine Zidane has spoken of his admiration for Odegaard, and even if he’s not playing regularly he’ll know better than most about his ability.

Hesitancy on may cause head over heart thinking.

Arsenal’s Internal Contacts

The same can be said for Real Sociedad in that both them and Arsenal will have open lines of communication with Real Madrid that are amicable and respectful.

Dani Ceballos is in his second season-long loan spell and discussions on both occasions surrounding the deal went off without a hitch.

Edu Gaspar will have no problem picking up the phone to discuss a potential deal, as was made clear by The Athletic. It was reported that the technical director made an initial approach prior to the most recent contact that was pushed back by Madrid, who eventually invited the conversation given the change of circumstances.

Good relations between the parties could aid Arsenal’s cause, but so too could the help of the agents involved. Odegaard is represented by NSKY, the same agency that boasts Nikolaj Moller on their books.

Moller joined Arsenal from Malmo FF last summer, with the towering striker costing £500k in a deal that flew mostly under the radar. With Arsenal having dealt with NSKY in the past, previous affiliations may also help sway the decision in the Gunners favour.

They’re well in the hunt to sign him despite the odds being swung towards their Spanish opposition, and small details such as these can play a part.

Can Arsenal Offer Martin Odegaard Enough Playing Time?

Familiarity, integration time and aspirations of playing in La Liga will all factor in for Odegaard. But so too will how many minutes he can accrue on the pitch while away on loan.

Smith Rowe has nailed down the attacking midfield slot in the Arsenal team. Unless Bruno Fernandes walks through the door or the 20-year-old suffers an unfortunate injury, that won’t change.

Even in the case of none of the above happening he can’t be asked to play every game between now and the end of the season. It’s unfeasible. Arsenal could face up to 35 matches before the summer and the mantle must be shared.

Would Odegaard be content sharing, though? Given the reason he wants out of the Spanish capital is for that exact reason, it’s unlikely. It would come down to assuring him of what he can learn and develop under Mikel Arteta‘s guidance.

A Real Sociedad side who’ve impressed so far can still improve, and Odegaard would likely take up a place in their three-man midfield alongside Mikel Merino and a more defensively-minded teammate.

At Arsenal the workload would be split heavily into Smith Rowe’s favour, whereas he’ll be almost guaranteed a starting berth at Estadio de Anoeta. That may be the nail in Arsenal’s coffin.