Martin Ødegaard is enjoying time on the pitch with Arsenal after having struggled in the first half of the season at Real Madrid.
The Gunners took the midfielder on loan in January and don’t retain any option to extend his stay beyond this campaign.
Ødegaard has refused to discuss his future plans, but stressed his ‘big dream’ is still to make his mark at Real Madrid.
Reports have indicated the north London club have an interest in keeping the 22-year-old at the Emirates, and these claims are backed up by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
“He must continue what he has done in the next few months, then we will see how he handles the big fights and the big moments,” Arteta told Norway’s TV2.
“But I can say that we are very happy with what he does and he is happy himself too. It is important for the level of performance. He can still improve a lot. He is a talented, well-educated.”
The Premier League club’s manager revealed his side followed the Norway international for a long time before making an approach in the last window.
“We have followed him for a long time and I have known him for a long time,” the Spanish explained.
“We did many reports and analysis together with our scouting team and the board, to identify the right players that fit our profile. Martin was one of them.”
“When he became available, we made a decision right away. We talked to the player and Real Madrid, and we agreed on a loan agreement.”
According to TV2, the Real Madrid owned player is a priority target for Arsenal in the summer.
When further quizzed if his side will look to make Ødegaard’s loan stay permanent in the summer, Arteta said: “I focus on what Martin can bring to the team here and now. What is happening this summer we cannot control right now, it is not in our hands.
“What we have to do is try to get the most out of Martin while he is here, make sure he is happy and that he performs at the level we want. This summer, all parties will sit down to assess the situation.”
“What I want is for Martin to be here. I know that the agreement is valid until the summer. We have to get the best out of him, then we will talk together this summer.”
