Arsenal open talks with Real Madrid over loan deal for Martin Odegaard – and hope good relationship with Spaniards from Dani Ceballos deal will help as they face stiff competition from LaLiga duo Real Sociedad and Sevilla
- Arsenal technical director Edu began negotiations with Real Madrid last week
- Martin Odegaard has made it clear he wants to leave Madrid in this window
- But the Gunners face stiff competition from Odegaard’s ex club Real Sociedad
- Sevilla are also interested as the 22-year-old seeks regular playing time
Arsenal have opened talks with Real Madrid to take midfielder Martin Odegaard on loan.
Technical director Edu began negotiations last week for the 22-year-old, but Arsenal face stern competition from Real Sociedad, where Odegaard spent last season on loan, and Sevilla.
The boyhood Liverpool fan has made it clear he wishes to leave this window to gain more regular game time.
Arsenal have opened talks with Real Madrid to take midfielder Martin Odegaard on loan
Technical director Edu (left) has begun negotiations to sign the 22-year-old for Mikel Arteta
Arsenal have a good relationship with Madrid after taking Dani Ceballos on loan and he has encouraged Odegaard to go where he will gain the best opportunity to play.
‘Young players need to play regularly,’ said Ceballos. ‘At Real Madrid, I needed to know that I would have equal opportunities. I was obsessed with playing again.
‘I wasn’t getting minutes, but I realised it was best to work and reverse the situation and be important [with another club].
‘If I do this [go on loan], I’ll play again. It couldn’t have been any clearer.
Arsenal face competition from Sevilla and Real Sociedad, where Odegaard was last season
Odegaard has made it clear he wishes to leave Zinedine Zidane’s men this month to play more
Talking to EFE, Ceballos added: ‘I can tell you what happened to me at Madrid. I don’t know exactly what will happen with Martin Odegaard, but it is obvious that any player who wants to succeed at Madrid is going to grab the opportunity he has.’
Arsenal have followed the Norwegian since he was a teenager and rate him highly. After allowing Mesut Ozil to leave, they are looking for a creative midfielder and have considered numerous options within a limited budget. Odegaard’s teammate Isco was among those options but he was reluctant to move to London after his wife gave birth.
Arsenal remain keen to add a goalkeeper also but have struggled to land their prime target Neto from Barcelona.
Arsenal are also hold an interest in Norwich City’s Emiliano Buendia but the Championship club are reluctant to sell the 24-year old in this window with promotion at stake.
Arsenal have a good relationship with Madrid after taking midfielder Dani Ceballos on loan
