Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard transfer hopes altered by Zidane

Arsenal have been embroiled in an already tiring transfer saga surrounding the future of Martin Odegaard, who goes from being cemented into the Real Madrid halls to remaining in his temporary London digs.

It doesn’t take long for supporters to change their mind on a player, nor does the media need any excuse to cough up a different narrative or angle on a transfer story to keep the interest ticking over.

From the moment Martin Odegaard walked through the Emirates Stadium doors his future has been a constant talking point, even before he’d played a full 90 minutes. His capture on loan in January was a coup in itself, and the return Arsenal have got from the Norwegian has been chalk and cheese compares to previous loan signings from La Liga.

Breaking it down, the consensus is that both Arsenal of Odegaard want to extend their relationship. Mikel Arteta has waxed lyrical over him, while the 22-year-old has informed those around him of his desire to stay another season at least, regularly speaking about how ‘at home’ he is in north London.

Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard transfer hopes altered by Zinedine Zidane leaving his job as Real Madrid manager

There is also an understanding that Real Madrid are Real Madrid. Odegaard hasn’t had his chance to feature regularly in the Spanish capital with multiple loan spells away, but if he is given his crack of the whip nobody could begrudge him grabbing it with two hands.

That is yet to come, a decision that rested on Zinedine Zidane’s shoulders. He hasn’t favoured the midfielder to date, instead relying on the likes of Luka Modric or Fede Valverde, among others. A lot of the speculation surrounding Odegaard’s desire was an unwillingness to play under a manager who hasn’t given him the time of day.

What about now, then?

As per numerous sources, including Marca, Zidane informed his players of his decision to leave the club at the end of the season, drawing the curtain on a second spell at the helm.

Previously mooted that Odegaard sees no future for himself at the club while the Frenchman is manager, these developments could turn the tide one way or the other. It’s early days but the two candidates mentioned are Raul and Massimiliano Allegri.

Will they fancy Odegaard?