Arsenal told to stump up €60m to land creative star on long-term deal

Arsenal could complete the permanent signing of Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid if they meet his €60million valuation, a report has claimed.

The 22-year-old moved to north London on loan in January to fill Gunners boss Mikel Arteta’s creative void.

He has made an impressive start, featuring in three Premier League games. Indeed, he earned his first start in the top flight in Sunday’s 4-2 win over Leeds, playing 78 minutes.

The Norwegian admitted to TV2 after the game that he is not ruling out a long-term deal at The Emirates from next season; his struggles for game time played a part in his decision to leave the Spanish capital.

According to Don Balon, the player’s ‘bad’ relationship with Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane also had a telling role.

However, those factors have not made Arsenal’s prospects of a permanent deal any easier, with the Spanish giants demanding €60million (£52million).

While Odegaard joined in the transfer window, Mesut Ozil departed north London. He terminated his contract and signed for Fenerbahce.

This has left a gap in the squad for a number 10 which the club will need to fill.

Arsenal fans should be excited over Martin Odegaard

The Good Morning Transfers team discuss Martin Odegaard's potential arrival at Arsenal on a loan deal from Real Madrid until the end of the season.

But with Odegaard having time to settle in at Arsenal and Arteta being able to develop him, it could make sense that he be the one to succeed that role.

He would, of course, be following in the footsteps of Ozil, who joined Arsenal from Real in 2013.

The Norway international had an impressive loan spell at Real Sociedad for the 2019/20 season where he recorded seven goals and nine assists in 36 appearances.

Since returning to the Spanish capital last summer, however, he found his game time limited. He played only 367 minutes before his move to England.

The €60million fee is a considerable one, but at such a young age, Odegaard holds great potential.

Attacking duo could depart

Meanwhile, Arsenal could sell strikers Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah this summer, it is claimed.

Both Lacazette and Nketiah are out of contract in 2022, which means they could walk away for free if Arsenal do not get them to commit to new terms.

The two players remain highly-rated – Lacazette has scored eight goals from 20 appearances in the Premier League this season.

As for Nketiah, chances have been limited, but the fact he is England under-21s’ all-time record scorer shows his potential.

However, he may have to fulfil that potential away from the Emirates.