Arsenal: Martin Odegaard masterclass at West Ham makes signing imperative

Arsenal Must Do Everything to Sign Martin Odegaard

How realistic is it that Arsenal will have the Norwegian wizard playing in red and white again next season? After a performance like that, off the back of numerous other glittering displays, their chances look slim.

Zinedine Zidane, for whatever reason, doesn’t fancy Odegaard in his team. He’s had him on the books for long enough to make a decision on that, yet has bided his time and allowed him to leave on loan where he will play. Even he must now be seeing the light.

One can’t blame the 22-year-old for wanting to succeed at Real Madrid. A giant of the football world regularly challenging for titles, it’s a dream most young footballers have. He isn’t happy with his situation at present, of course, but in a two-legged race, Madrid will almost always come out on top against Arsenal.

Come the summer he will have two years left to run on his deal. Prime selling time.

Another season-long loan would be ideal, but Madrid would be foolish to sanction such a move, even if it benefits them in terms of development, as the 12 months he’ll then have remaining will damage his value.

The club need to move mountains to bring him back. This is a talent who, as witnessed, is only getting better. If this is him now, then the thought of what he could become in the future is frightening. He has immeasurable potential.

Figures of £40m have been mooted, which would be daylight robbery. Unfortunately, Arsenal aren’t blessed with money and they may not even be blessed with European football next season. A loan with an obligation to buy would be the perfect scenario. It’s a shame this sport doesn’t work on ideals.

Whatever it takes, however, get it done. He may very well go on to win Arsenal a European trophy this season.