Arsenal: Martin Odegaard lists 2 key factors in permanent Gunners transfer

Martin Odegaard has exceeded all expectations at Arsenal following his six-month loan deal from Real Madrid in January, prompting north London-wide calls for him to be signed permanently in the summer.

Brought in with the promise of regular minutes, Martin Odegaard has already featured for Arsenal more than he has in his entire Los Blancos career to date. He’s been with the Spanish club since 2015.

Gradually improving with every fixture, it was widely accepted that he would need time to bed in to his surroundings, adapt to the culture, absorb the manager’s style of play and build up his fitness. To have reached the level he is at already is quite remarkable.

A masterclass of a display in the 3-3 draw with West Ham was him at the peak of his powers to date with the Gunners, outings that showcase how magnificent his talent is and how much more he can progress with further playing time.

Martin Odegaard lists 2 key factors that will impact his chances of a permanent move to Arsenal in the summer transfer window

Away with Norway for international duty, where he was recently named captain, Odegaard listed two key factors that will determine where he is playing his football next season.

"He told journalist Arilas Ould-Saada: “Haven’t thought about what’ll happen in summer. Deal with Arsenal is until the end of season. We’ll see what happens this summer. I’ve said things before that I still stand for: Stability and development are key words.”"

In regards to stability, Arsenal are starting to build that trait under Mikel Arteta, with performances improving drastically since Christmas as the backing of the club in the Spaniard and his vision attempt to steady a rocky ship.

When it comes to development, one need only look at how Odegaard has improved week upon week under Arteta’s tutelage, making a huge impact alongside Emile Smith Rowe. Getting fitter, stronger and increasingly comfortable in his surroundings, the regular minutes for the Norwegian have done exactly that.

If he wants somewhere he can develop, he need look no further than the Emirates Stadium. His importance to the team is already undeniable, while Arteta’s adoration for what he brings makes him a shoo-in for every game moving forward.

He has provided encouraging signs of what he wants…

Martin Odeegard Talks Comfort and Development under Arteta

Of course, any player temporarily plying their trade at a club will speak well of their part-time employers. For their sake as much as anything, throwing shade and risking your chance in the team defeats the purpose of being on loan in the first place.

However, in Odegaard’s case, it’s clear that he is loving his time in the capital.

"He said of Arteta: “Very good. He is incredible. I have a lot to learn from him. I just need to ‘sharpen my ears’ and pay attention. He is fantastic.”"

The 22-year-old has not spoken of Zinedine Zidane in such terms. It’s no secret that they have a fractured relationship, one stemming from the Frenchman’s unwillingness to grant Odegaard a regular run of games at Madrid, whereas the praise he lavishes Arteta is is glowing at the very least.

And, coming back to the point of development, Odegaard made another fine case for a return to Arsenal

"“It’s been improving from the very beginning,” he said of himself at the club. “I feel I quickly adapted and understood how we play. I lacked match fitness and self-confidence. The more games I’ve played, the better I’ve become. It’s a rising curve.”"

With a European berth via the Premier League looking beyond the Gunners’ reach, the Europa League has become their sole objective in their bid to rescue an otherwise abysmal season. If Odegaard can replicate performances like the one at West Ham onto the European stage, then Arsenal have every chance of doing so.

Surely, win a European trophy and return to the Champions League and Odegaard is Arsenal’s, right?