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.

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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.

2. If Mikel Arteta is Sacked the Next Manager Has Freedom

Having been told from the horses mouth for six months and then reliably informed all summer, Arteta loves Martin Odegaard. Adores him. Sees him as the ideal footballer for what he wants and cherishes what he offers off the pitch, too.

He’s very much his man, in that sense.

Should he arrive as he appears to be doing, then he’ll play week in week out under the Spaniard. But what if results and performances continue to leave plenty to be desired? What if the straw breaks the camel’s back and Arteta is sacked?

Well, in that case, whoever comes in needn’t be forced to find a way to work with £40m or so Odegaard if he doesn’t like his profile.

It’s hard to imagine any manager not being able to use Odegaard in a Premier League team that consists of a few Willian’s and Mohamed Elneny’s, but to each their own. The new boss may have other ideas and if he does, he won’t be shackled with this shiny new signing and can instead find another target in the coming summer.

So, in many ways, a loan suits the Arsenal hierarchy more than anyone else.

3. First Refusal Price is £30m

As mentioned, the report is the only one so far to come out with this payment structure so there is no definitive answer on how Odegaard might arrive at Arsenal.

Real Madrid leaving him out of the squad didn’t exactly strengthen their position, yet they have a very talented young player on their hands and the most interested party isn’t in any great position of their own to be snobbish and haggle their own terms.

Arsenal will start out low, however, and likely work their way up, with a loan almost certain to be floated Madrid’s direction for the two reasons already mentioned.

As per this report, the first refusal on Odegaard will be around £30m, so as long as no other club bids higher next summer that will be the price. And it’s a bargain. For someone with a ceiling as high as Odegaard’s, it’s a great fee.

Granted, in 12 months he’ll only have a year left on his contract so Los Blancos will be thinking likewise. Yet having had him for 18 months prior to any £30m outlay and only paying wages and a minimal loan fee, it balances out nicely.

£30m is over half what James Maddison would have cost. Odegaard is not half the player. And he’s younger.