Martin Ødegaard is the ‘main objective’ of Arsenal this summer and they are ‘attentive to everything that happens’ with him at Real Madrid.
That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who add the midfielder’s doubts about staying with the La Liga side have ‘increased a lot in the last few hours’.
The 22-year-old was expected to start the final pre-season tie against AC Milan, especially with Toni Kroos injured.
Instead, Carlo Ancelotti opted for Isco and the manager is ‘determined to recover’ the best version of the former Malaga star. This means the La Liga side would be ‘sacrificing Ødegaard’.
Both Los Blancos and the former Everton manager ‘trust’ the Norway international and have informed him he will be an ‘important player’ at the club.
The player had heard the same speech last summer and this, coupled with the latest developments, has made him see that ‘everything is going to be the same’ as last season.
Real Madrid want him to stay, but if Ødegaard wants out, they will not close the door, provided they receive €50m in return. The Gunners ‘seem ready to pay’ the price set by the Spanish giants.
Mikel Arteta ‘wants’ the player back at the Emirates as he considers Ødegaard as a ‘key piece’ for the north London club. The manager has informed Arsenal leaders that ‘they have to go for him’, if the player ‘gets within range’.
AS also state Arsenal are ‘keeping an eye on Ødegaard’s movements’, and if Real Madrid want to offload him, then the Gunners are ‘prepared to make an offer’ to sign him on a permanent transfer.