Norway boss Stale Solbakken spoke to Aftenposten yesterday about Martin Odegaard potentially joining Arsenal on a permanent deal this summer.
The Norwegian has been our number one target since the start of the transfer window. Mikel Arteta absolutely loves him and the Gunners boss didn’t stop trying even when it looked like he would stay at Real Madrid.
That persistence is set to pay off now. It looks like Odegaard will return to Arsenal on a permanent deal in the coming days and Norway boss Solbakken has backed his national team’s skipper to make the move.
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Solbakken: Arsenal would be a good move for Odegaard
Asked about Odegaard being left out of the Real Madrid squad, he said: “I do not know more than that. It is of course a clear signal for Martin. He played regularly in training matches, either from the start or with a lot of playing time as a substitute.
“When he is not in the squad, you do not have to be a fortune teller that there may be something going on.”
Asked if Arsenal would be good for him, Solbakken said: “That’s for sure. He has many opportunities, many who want him. So he, his representatives and the family will find out. He has been very good at picking out the right clubs before.”
Odegaard’s on his way back
The Guardian and multiple other outlets revealed yesterday that Arsenal are close to completing a permanent deal for Odegaard.
The Norwegian is set to rejoin us in the coming days for £34 million, and he is expected to sign a five-year contract at the Emirates. The report even claims that Odegaard has already agreed personal terms with the Gunners, which should help us wrap this deal up very quickly.
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Odegaard, labelled as ‘brilliant’ by Calum Chambers, really is an excellent signing. He was fantastic for us last season and the fact that he’s still only 22 means that he will only get better. Hopefully, he’ll be here ready to play a part in our game against Chelsea on Sunday.
