Arsenal received encouragement in their pursuit of Martin Ødegaard after he was left out of the Real Madrid squad published on La Liga’s official website.
El Confidencial claim Carlo Ancelotti prefers to work with a smaller squad and has been ‘very clear with the players from day one’, whether or not they are in his plans for the new season.
Ødegaard is aware Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos and Casemiro are set to feature regularly, with Federico Valverde ahead of him in the pecking order.
Ancelotti relied on the Norway international to ‘give Modric a rest’, but he was ‘not seduced’ by the idea of being the fifth-choice player in midfield.
The 22-year-old isn’t attracted to the idea of spending one more season waiting for his chance at the Bernabéu.
Ødegaard has communicated the same to the ex-Everton manager, when the Italian made it clear he needs to earn his place at the club. Due to this, he’s now in the ‘shop window’, meaning he’s on the market.
Isco has accepted the conditions set by the coach, allowing him to get ahead of the Norwegian. The former Malaga star is also on the market, but he could end up staying, along with Dani Ceballos, if the La Liga side don’t receive an ‘irrefutable offer’.
‘Ødegaard has a market’ and the Spanish club has ‘put a price on him’, with Arsenal hovering to sign him this summer.
El Confidencial explain Mikel Arteta’s side haven’t met the €50m valuation set by Real Madird, but state the ‘transfer could be closed’ for €40m.
