According to a report from Spanish outlet ABC, Real Madrid are ready to sell Martin Odegaard to Arsenal, but only if a buy-back clause is inserted in his contract.
The Norwegian became a huge hit at the Emirates in the second half of last season. Mikel Arteta absolutely loved him, so much so, that the Gunners boss made Odegaard his number one transfer target in this summer’s window.
However, the Real Madrid man’s situation hasn’t been stable whatsoever. It first seemed like Arsenal had a chance to sign him, but it quickly became clear that he would stay at the Bernabeu. However, we’re now back to square one, and it looks like the Gunners can bring him back soon.
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Real Madrid want a buy-back clause for Odegaard
The report claims that although Real Madrid have told Odegaard that he’s a key part of their future, the Norwegian isn’t convinced. As a result, he wants to leave this summer, and Arsenal are ready to pounce.
The Galacticos are willing to let Odegaard go for £42.7 million. However, they are adamant that they want a buy-back clause inserted in the contract, just so that they don’t lose complete control over him.
Real Madrid have invested a lot of time and money on Odegaard over the last six years. Yes, he hasn’t yet turned out to be a superstar, but everyone in the Spanish capital truly believes that he’ll end up being a great player.
The Insider’s View:
This really complicates things for Arsenal. About £42 million is a fair price for Odegaard and it’s definitely a fee that we can afford this summer. However, if we agree to a buy-back clause, the threat of losing him will always be hanging over our heads.
That’s not ideal at all. Arsenal’s vision in this transfer window has been to build for the future. Our signings so far – Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Ben White – have at least a decade of top-level football left in them, and they can all be the future of our football club.
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Odegaard certainly checks that box and he would be a sensational signing. However, a buy-back clause will allow Real Madrid to snatch him off us at any moment, and that will make things extremely difficult for us, even though we’ll be guaranteed to make a profit on him.
