Arsenal: Ancelotti’s verdict on Martin Odegaard following Real Madrid return

Arsenal and their pursuit of Martin Odegaard hinges on a vast number of factors. One of the key developments as they seek to bring the Norwegian back to north London centred around the new Real Madrid manager, and Carlo Ancelotti is not a big fan.

A summer transfer window with exciting stories across the board has, so far, been dominated by managerial appointments. Massimiliano Allegri has taken Andrea Pirlo’s place at Juventus; Inter have bid farewell to Antonio Conte; Tottenham want Mauricio Pochettino back; Zinedine Zidane has left Real Madrid.

These are just a few of the host of changes in the dugout taking place already, but it’s the ongoings at Everton that could have a deciding say in Mikel Arteta’s pursuit of his 22-year-old star.

Carlo Ancelotti is departing Goodison Park with just one full season under his belt to return to the Spanish capital, an interesting move in its own right but one that has potential ramifications on Odegaard’s future.

Arsenal given Martin Odegaard boost with new Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti’s verdict on initial signing

His his book Quiet Leadership, he opened up on Los Blancos’ original decision to sign the midfielder in 2016, under his tutelage, speaking very candidly about his opinion on the transfer.

"“When Florentino buys a Norwegian footballer, you simply have to accept it,” he said, as quoted by Sky Sports. “Furthermore, the president decided that he would play three games with the first team as a public relations exercise”.“He could be the best player in the world, but I don’t care because he was not a player who I asked for. That signing was to do with PR.”"

Hardly the most glowing assessment of someone considered the best thing since sliced bread at the time. Now he’s on his way back to the club with Odegaard in his squad, unless there has been a major change of heart, it could spell the end of the 22-year-old’s time in La Liga.

Florentino Perez is, however, still at the helm and he is said to be a great admirer of Odegaard. Ancelotti’s comments from six years ago offer no certainties over what may come next, but as he looks to build his own squad and the club continues the hunt for one of Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland, who gets sold to help sanction those moves might be a little clearer.

Luka Modric also signed a new deal recently.

Should Madrid look to sell up then the issue of finance remains. Madrid are said to want in the region of £50m with Arsenal looking at closer to £30m, so there is still some disparity there. Equally, Odegaard has turned out alright since the Italian’s original view, although it does offer some encouragement.

Someone will have definitely forwarded Odegaard those comments already, won’t they have?