Huge stumbling block hindering Arsenal in permanent deal for Odegaard

Arsenal are reportedly ready to step up their bid to land Martin Odegaard in a permanent deal, but a huge stumbling block is presenting a major issue.

The on-loan Real Madrid star played a big part in the Gunners coming from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 at West Ham on Sunday.

Excelling in the No.10 role, the Norwegian had a 93% pass complestion rate and created four chances.

Odegaard’s display was comfortably his best in an Arsenal shirt and left Gunners fans clamouring for a permanent deal.

However, a reported £300million break clause at Real Madrid remains a huge issue for Arsenal to overcome.

Having previously forked out £350,000-a-week on Mesut Ozil’s wages, big deals are not exactly off the cards for Arsenal.

But the finances of signing Odegaard, who has two years left on his contract at the Bernabeu, appear to be prohibitive – as reported in the Daily Mirror.

One thing is for certain, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta wants a deal done, and his Arsenal teammates are clearly big fans.

Mikel Arteta: First half display from Arsenal unacceptable

Mikel Arteta: First half display from Arsenal unacceptable

Mikel Arteta was furious with Arsenal's first half performance against West Ham in which they conceded three goals.

Calum Chambers, who supplied two assists in the six-goal London Stadium thriller, said: “He has done brilliant. He is a great lad if you speak to him and I get on well with him.

“He feels at home here, he’s doing well and he works incredibly hard – in training and games. I think everyone is really pleased and I hope he continues this form.”


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Odegaard ticks all the boxes for Arteta

Arteta also credited Odegaard with setting the tone for Arsenal’s comeback, saying: “When everyone was a little trembling, he gave us that stability, that composure on the ball, and he created chance after chance.

“I love talented and creative players that all the time are willing to take the ball and make that happen, that are mobile and as well hard-working. He is one of them.

“The way he steps on the pitch, he always wants the ball, the way he commands the pressing. He’s been really influential.

“I think we’ve all been a little bit surprised because he looks really shy and humble. But when he steps on that pitch he’s a real character and he loves to play football.”

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