Arsenal ‘convinced’ of Martin Odegaard summer transfer

Arsenal Have to Commit to Martin Odegaard or Move on

Similarly with the idea of wanting Ryan Bertrand at left-back on a two-year deal, bringing Odegaard in for 12 more months is simply delaying a problem that will crop up again further down the line.

If Arsenal really want Odegaard then they need to commit to him. Regardless of fan view, if Arsenal truly believe he’s the ideal No. 10 target then pull out all of the stops to get him.

Should that come via a loan then it must include the purchase option, or even obligation, in it. That would suit better than any as the money would be saved for the following summer with the same commitments towards the player.

£50m is way beyond what Odegaard is currently worth and a deal at that price would set a worrying precedent for the remainder of the transfer window: it’d be League Two scouting for full-backs and trialists for central midfield. However, at least it would show intent.

Missing out on Buendia was a case of dallying. Taking the eye off the ball and being too confident that Arsenal had a bigger pull than Villa, who went on the charm offensive and sealed the deal.

If Edu and Arteta want Odegaard then a simple loan doesn’t show it. It’s almost the ideal scenario in many ways but it isn’t sustainable. That would be 18 months of minutes spent on someone who isn’t staying. Dani Ceballos, for example, was 24 months of minutes wasted that impacted the likes of Joe Willock.

If you want him go get him. Properly. Although not at £50m, that’s silly money.