Arsenal: 3 reasons Martin Odegaard loan transfer works

Nothing is ever set in stone in the transfer window. No deal is inevitable and even the most fool proof plan with everyone’s approval runs the risk collapsing at the final hurdle over something as random as a dodgy toe. However, when it comes to Martin Odegaard and Arsenal, it might be worth sticking your neck out.

This window has come full circle. Starting out with Odegaard as the number one priority, the case for him cooled as the weeks went by – externally, that is – with a plethora of other names being considered in his stead.

Fast forward to the final two weeks of the window and he’s back in discussion. It’s a move that feels as close to being certain as you can be without ending up with egg on your face. Does he have a dodgy toe? Let’s hope not.

Having been not issued a squad number at Real Madrid and then left out of the squad for the opening fixture against Alaves, it became abundantly clear that whatever future the Norwegian may have envisaged for himself at the club has dissipated.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

Arsenal: 3 reasons Martin Odegaard loan transfer works as rumours circulate about Real Madrid letting Norwegian go on initial temporary move

Carlo Ancelotti has come in and looks even less likely to play him than Zinedine Zidane.

Arsenal had been waiting for their moment to pounce. How Odegaard would be viewed under Ancelotti would be a pivotal step in their pursuit, while Arsenal would know their cue as soon as the 22-year-old started pining for a return to north London.

In what capacity would he arrive? Well, loan deals are transfers that need to stop. Dani Ceballos is a prime example of where it goes wrong, as those two years of his presence were 24 months someone like Joe Willock could have been developing in the team.

If you really want the player and believe in his ability, then invest the money needed. Don’t dally. Deliver, instead. Commit, or at least do so with an obligation.

So, what to make of talk of Odegaard joining Arsenal on loan with first refusal to buy at around £30m at the end of the deal? Well, it could be total rubbish, as Madrid would surely prefer money right now, but if the circumstances dictated it, would it be so detrimental? Well, if it is the route Arsenal are going down, this is how it could be positive, even if loan deals need to be a thing of the past.

1. Money Saved to Spend Elsewhere in the Market

The obvious one to come out of Arsenal potentially loaning Odegaard this summer is the financial aspect.

Bringing the playmaker in and paying just his wages, which are rumoured to be around £85k-per-week, opens up opportunities elsewhere to significantly boost the quality of the squad.

There still needs to be a goalkeeper and right-back brought in, with more scope to also acquire a central midfielder and centre-forward.

Sales will dictate what Arsenal can do in terms of recruitment, but whereas previously they may have been adverse to sanctioning loan departures with options/obligations, that additional freedom in not as urgently requiring the money this summer can be of benefit.

The squad is in tatters, bloated in some departments, lacking in others or just awash with mediocrity, and in securing one of their priority positions with a quality target for no initial outlay can be the turning point towards salvaging something resembling a successful window.