Martin Ødegaard joined Arsenal on loan in January and will return to Real Madrid after this season as the Gunners don’t have a buying option.
Mikel Arteta has revealed his wish to retain the 22-year-old at the Emirates. Two days ago, the midfielder admitted it’s ‘important to know’ what Los Blancos want when discussing his future.
Ødegaard will play his last game of the season against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. Norway’s TV2 interviewed the Real Madrid owned player, and he once again reiterated he’s happy at the north London club.
“We’ve really just said we’re finishing the season, and then we’ll have to take it then. More than that, I don’t really know right now,” he said.
“I’m happy here and I’m fine, but we’ll have to sit down and talk to the club after the season and we’ll see what happens. Right now, I don’t really know much about it.”
“Considering all the places I have been, it is probably here [at Arsenal] that it has been easiest to get into the dressing room and environment and stuff, so it went very fast and nice.
“I have enjoyed myself from day one and have been very well received. That part there has gone very well, so it has actually been above all expectations.”
One of the reasons why the Norway international isn’t sure of where he will play next season is because he has not held regular talks with Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid. His dream, however, is to succeed at the Spanish club.
“No, I have not had much contact with them myself. I’ve talked a bit with someone at the club there, but nothing with the coaches and them. There are others who get to take care of that bit,” Ødegaard explained.
“It is clear that that dream is still there and it will be there, so to speak. It is definitely the dream for me, and I want to believe it is the dream for many other football players.
“But as I have said before, the most important thing for me, at my age, is to play, develop and feel that you get better every day and every week. So yes, it is two-part. Of course, it is the dream, but it is important to play matches.”
On Wednesday, AS reported the Madrid club have no intention to sell Ødegaard in the summer, even though the player continues to put pressure on the La Liga side to sort out his transfer situation.
Real Madrid’s stance and Ødegaard admitting his dream is to succeed with his parent club would make it difficult for Arsenal to retain him beyond this season.
