Martin Ødegaard is ‘getting closer to becoming a new Arsenal player’, according to AS.
The Gunners are keen on signing the Real Madrid player after he impressed for them during his loan spell at the Emirates.
Having returned to Madrid, the midfielder realised it would be difficult to get more playing time next season.
He was left out of the Real Madrid squad published on La Liga’s official website and this saw suggestions an exit could be on the cards.
AS explain the Norway international has ‘given the go-ahead’ after ‘feeling disappointed’ during pre-season. The 22-year-old is of the belief if there’s no place at the Bernabéu now, he’ll never make it at Real Madrid.
Therefore, both the player and the Spanish giants decided it would be best to part ways this summer.
Los Blancos and the north London club have come closer in the last few hours and all parties believe the ‘operation will close soon’. If it goes through, the Spanish club will earn close to €50m.
The report states: ‘He is having a hard time taking this step, he has been with many doubts in his head for weeks and it hurts to have to leave the club where he always wanted to succeed. That penalty for leaving Madrid is on one side of the scales, while on the other is Arsenal’s strong interest and Arteta’s confidence in him’.
Real Madrid, for their part, are clear they want to sell Ødegaard, and Arsenal ‘want him’ as he’s their ‘priority objective’.
AS state the case is ‘very hot’ as the deal to take Ødegaard back to London is ‘close to being closed’.
Despite this, the report points out ‘there are still things to negotiate’ and once these things are settled, the deal is expected to go through.
