Arsenal move for Martin Odegaard in doubt after Real Madrid development

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Arsenal’s move for Martin Odegaard is in doubt with the Norwegian midfielder reportedly now expected to stay with Real Madrid for the 2021/22 season. Odegaard is the Gunners’ number one transfer target for the off-season, but it now appears that they will be forced to pursue other options.

The 22-year-old contributed two goals and two assists in 20 appearances for Arsenal while on loan from Real in the second half of last season.

He did enough during his time in north London to impress manager Mikel Arteta and the club’s hierarchy, who sanctioned a move for Odegaard this summer.

Arsenal are still searching for a reliable creative presence in the Mesut Ozil mould and were ready to test Real Madrid’s resolve with a bid for Odegaard.

Odegaard has two years left on his Los Blancos contract and after loans to Heerenveen, Vitesse Arnhem, Real Sociedad and Arsenal it seems Real want to keep the midfielder.

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The Athletic says Real were reluctant to let Odegaard leave on loan in January and the move only went through after the player himself pushed for a change of scenery.

The outlet’s sources now say Odegaard is ‘expected’ to remain at the Bernabeu for the upcoming season and that Arsenal’s chances of signing him are ‘slim’ after Zinedine Zidane was replaced by Carlo Ancelotti as Real manager.

Odegaard is yet to commit to a new contract with Real but will soon hold talks with Ancelotti, who has the Norway captain as part of his plans for the 2021/22 campaign.

The attacking midfielder wants to hear Ancelotti’s plans before he makes a firm decision but it seems unlikely Arsenal will be granted their wish this summer.

The Gunners will need Odegaard to personally push for a return to north London, but are aware of the situation and are ‘set to explore other options more aggressively.’

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Arsenal made an approach for Norwich’s Emi Buendia recently, but were beaten to the transfer by Aston Villa, who paid an initial £33million for his signature.

Nabil Fekir of Real Betis has been linked with a transfer, but is reportedly not under serious consideration by Arsenal.

Arsenal already have Emile Smith Rowe to play in the No 10 position and are working on extending the 20-year-old’s contract beyond 2023.

Meanwhile, The Athletic reports that Arsenal have submitted an official bid for Anderlecht’s Albert Sambi Lokonga.

The offer is for the 21-year-old midfielder understood to be in the region of £12.9million (€15m), but the Belgian side are holding out for their £17.2m (€20m) valuation.

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