Martin Odegaard will not get dream Arsenal debut vs Man Utd as loan deal nearly complete

Transfer update: Latest on Odegaard, Lingard and Rose

Martina Odegaard is reportedly close to agreeing terms on a loan move to Arsenal, but the midfielder may be denied a dream debut against Manchester United. Real Madrid recently made Odegaard available to leave on loan this month having struggled for regular football this season.

The 22-year-old had impressed in the last campaign while out on loan at Real Sociedad, knocking Real out of the Copa del Rey at the quarter-final stage.

Sociedad were keen to keep Odegaard at the club for another year, but Real opted to recall the midfielder last summer.

But he’s been limited to just three starts in La Liga this season with Real now looking to loan him out this window.

Sociedad were once again being linked with Odegaard and it was originally suggested that his preference was to head back to the Anoeta stadium.

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However, it appears as though Arsenal have stolen a march on signing the talented Norwegian.

Gunners technical director Edu has reportedly spoken with Odegaard’s father while Dani Ceballos has also been in communication with the midfielder to help convince him of a move to the Emirates.

Reports have suggested an agreement between Real, Odegaard and Arsenal is close to being completed, but he will almost certainly be denied the opportunity to make his debut against United at the end of the month.

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Arsenal face United on January 30th meaning, even if an agreement is signed soon, he would be unavailable to play.

And he could well miss the following games against Wolves and Aston Villa if a deal isn’t completed by the end of next week.

Mikel Arteta will also be keen to have Odegaard familiarise himself with his new talents before throwing him into the starting line-up.

But the Arsenal boss will have Odegaard available to feature in the Europa League knockout stages as Real were competing in the Champions League.

The Gunners have been drawn to face Portuguese side Benfica in the round of 32 with the first tie being played on February 18.

Sandwiched in between both legs though will be a tough home fixture against title contenders Manchester City.

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