Real Madrid decision may leave Arsenal with Martin Odegaard problem this summer

Mikel Arteta’s plans to keep Martin Odegaard at the Emirates Stadium could be scuppered amid wholesale changes at Real Madrid.

While Arsenal’s push for Champions League qualification has stuttered, the Norwegian has impressed since arriving in North London in January, earning the club’s player of the month award in March.

Arteta had included Odegaard in his rebuilding plans at the club, with the Gunners likely to miss out on European football for the first time in 25 years despite Wednesday's win against Chelsea.

Though Madrid’s price tag could stretch Arsenal’s budget it was thought that the club stood a good chance of signing the 22-year-old.

However, changes at Los Blancos could end hopes of signing Odegaard once and for all.

According to the Mail, Zinedine Zidane’s days at the club are numbered, with Madrid legend Raul and former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri touted to take over and give fringe players chances to fight for first team spots.

Zidane has been under pressure all season, having been playing catch up in the league to city rivals Atletico, but the Champions League semi-final loss to Chelsea has made up Florentino Perez’s mind on the Frenchman’s future.

Odegaard and Zidane first worked together at Madrid’s reserve side, but had a strained relationship following the Norwegian’s demands that his contractual right to train with the first team was fulfilled.

Since the Frenchman’s promotion to first team coach, the former Stromsgodset player has seen little game time.

After an impressive loan spell at Real Sociedad last season, Odegaard only featured seven times in La Liga this term, prompting the midfielder to look for another loan move.

When Odegaard’s departure to the Emirates was announced, Zidane was not best pleased.

“Martin wanted to leave, he wanted to get minutes and chances elsewhere,” the 48-year-old said.

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    • “The player demanded it. I told him to stay and fight, but it wasn’t to be.”

    However, with a new manager likely to take over in summer, Odegaard may feel he has a better chance of seeing first team action at the Bernabeu.

    Meanwhile, Zidane’s departure could alert Juventus and the France national team, both of whom would be keen to acquire his services.

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