Real Madrid lower Martin Odegaard asking price but make demand to Arsenal

Arsenal are ramping up talks to re-sign Martin Odegaard with Real Madrid prepared to significantly lower their asking price – though they want a buyback clause included in any deal.

The Norwegian enjoyed a solid loan spell at the Emirates last season, joining in the January window, but returned to the Bernabeu hoping to force his way into the first team after Carlo Ancelotti replaced Zinedine Zidane.

But the change of manager has not improved Odegaard’s fortunes, with the 23-year-old omitted from the squad list submitted to La Liga and not even handed a shirt number.

Real are now in talks to sell Odegaard to Arsenal and, according to ABC, they have lowered their initial demands and will now accept an up-front fee of £34million.

As part of that deal, however, Real would want a further £8.5m in easily achievable bonuses and a buyback clause.

Arsenal are looking to get the initial fee down closer to a sum of £25m, plus bonuses, and despite the discrepancy in valuation there is confidence from all parties that an agreement will be found.

According to ABC’s report, Odegaard is already planning for life back at Arsenal and is eager to be reunited with Mikel Arteta.

While he has a rather cold relationship with Ancelotti – who told him he must prove he deserves a place in the Real first-team – he has an excellent relationship with Arteta and knows he will be given a key role at Arsenal.

The Gunners received a fee of £22m for Joe Willock just a few days ago and that is likely to be reinvested into the Odegaard deal, though further sales may be needed.

Although Arsenal had been linked with a £60m move for James Maddison, Odegaard has always been their first choice and even at Real’s £34m asking price the deal represents much better value for money than the Leicester City man.

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