Martin Odegaard will want "assurances" before he commits to Arsenal transfer

Martin Odegaard will want to know that Mikel Arteta is to remain as manager before he considers signing for Arsenal, according to Nigel Winterburn.

The playmaker moved to the Emirates on loan from Real Madrid in January.

Odegaard had struggled for game time in Spain and has made an instant impact in north London leading to talk of a permanent deal.

There are several variables that could affect the deal such as his price tag and whether Zinedine Zidane remains as manager in Madrid.

But Winterburn also feels as if Arteta's future could prove crucial with Odegaard unlikely to remain at Arsenal if they axe their manager.

He told Goal: "It will come down to what Real Madrid will want to do and whether he wants to stay there because he might not get the game time he wants.

"Arsenal would be in prime position; he's been here he knows what the club is like.

"He probably wants assurances that Arteta is going to be in charge because he wouldn't want to sign for a different manager.

"He's usually in the team and he's shown enough. He's a link up player, he’s very neat and tidy on the ball and we need creative players in around that area.

"I would think there will be other clubs looking at him as well, if he becomes available."

Odegaard has long been tipped for the top having signed for Los Blancos as a 16-year-old.

His development has been hampered by a lack of regular minutes though and he was forced to head out on loan last term to Real Sociedad.

When quizzed on his future the Norwegian said this week: "You never know what’s going to happen."

He has scored twice in 18 outings for Arsenal thus far.

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