Arsenal forced into huge Martin Odegaard transfer rethink

Arsenal grew very fond of Martin Odegaard. Mikel Arteta certainly did and so too a large portion of the club’s fans, although there was always the fear of growing overly attached to a player that would only be flirting with the Premier League. It appears the attachment won’t blossom.

It took only 20 matches for Arteta to be swayed by the Norwegian. Having pulled off an impressive coup in bringing the midfielder to north London in the January transfer market, what transpired was nothing even remotely resembling the ill-fated Denis Suarez move, nor was there much comparison to Dani Ceballos.

Odegaard wasn’t perfect, though. Guilty of going missing in certain matches brought upon a few overboard critics, just as there were some overzealous appraisals for him following a strong performance or two.

When Arsenal were in control of possession was when Odegaard was at his most free-flowing, orchestrating those in front of him from his preferred zone in the right half-space. His weight of pass and understanding of space is unapologetically natural, while his ability to create partnerships with those around him helped bring the best out of the likes of Calum Chambers and Emile Smith Rowe.

Arsenal forced into huge Martin Odegaard transfer rethink as Real Madrid stance on summer transfer is revealed

Due to his lack of defensive output he could become a passenger on occasions, however, as matches where Arsenal surrendered lots of possession were him at his not so fluid best. A healthy degree of mitigation is nonetheless needed as he did pick up some unfortunate injuries, had only been in the Premier League for a matter of months and, after all, is just 22 years old.

Whether or not he should be brought back to the club has caused debate among supporters, discussions largely centred around the hefty £50m asking price that has been mentioned across the media. It’s a huge sum of money for a club without significant finances, especially with multiple areas to reinforce across the pitch.

Being at the top of the Gunners’ summer wishlist, it’s now time for the club to put their recruitment hats on. The Athletic report that as it stands Odegaard is expected to stay at Real Madrid for the coming 2021/22 season. Their chances of bringing him back to the club in any capacity are ‘slim’.

So…there’s a chance?

Continued…

Arsenal’s Chances of Signing Martin Odegaard

Slim is slim. There isn’t much wiggle room. Whatever hopes Arsenal would have had with Odegaard rested on the players’ desires. Just like in January, it was the midfielder who pushed for a loan move, one Madrid initially didn’t want, but eventually gave into.

With Carlo Ancelotti joining the club as the new boss, Odegaard’s determination to push through a Gunners return has ‘diminished substantially’. As it stands he’s part of Los Blancos’ plans for next season, even if a face-to-face conversation is yet to be held between player and manager.

Unless there is significant change, he will stay.

Nobody can blame him. Madrid will challenge for the title again, are a huge footballing institution and have European football on hand. Arsenal can only lay claim to one of those aspects and it’s not a pull anywhere near their level.

It means that the club need to really get to work this window. They won’t opt out of Odegaard entirely yet but as their case grows weaker other targets have to be pursued with more vigour.

Who exactly they may be isn’t especially known yet. The Emi Buendia ship has sailed after one £30m bid, while following on from there it’s been mostly very faint Nabil Fekir talk, which hasn’t developed into anything serious.

Joaquin Correa talk has emerged of late but will take some moulding if he arrives given his more natural role as a striker/second striker, while other reports have linked Arsenal with a move for Rodrigo De Paul, who is currently away with Argentina in the Copa America.

It would come as no surprise for a few brand new name to emerge from the depths of the transfer window given the latest Odegaard developments.

Odegaard would have been an excellent acquisition given his familiarity with the club, how easily he slotted in and his endearing skillset, but for £50m it’s a deal to close the curtain on. Furthermore, if Arsenal have been told Madrid’s stance then they’ll at least be grateful it has arrived early in the window. There are still close to 11 weeks to go.