Real Madrid star Martin Odegaard picks between Arsenal and Real Sociedad transfers

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Real Madrid playmaker Martin Odegaard wants to return to Real Sociedad despite interest from Arsenal, reports say. The Norway international has already informed the La Liga giants he wants to leave on loan, having struggled for minutes this term. And, as things stand, a move to the Anoeta Stadium looks likely.

Arsenal have surged into contention to sign Odegaard, who has been restricted to just seven La Liga appearances this term.

The Gunners want the Norway international after seeing Mesut Ozil depart, with the Germany international moving to Turkey with Fenerbahce.

Arsenal chief Edu initiated contact with Madrid over a loan deal for Odegaard last week, determined to secure the playmaker’s signature.

But he could now be set to miss out.

Spanish website OkDiario claim Odegaard is eager to return to Sociedad, having enjoyed a successful loan spell at the Anoeta Stadium last term.

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The 22-year-old scored four goals from 31 La Liga matches last term, registering three assists along the way.

And they, rather than Arsenal, appear to be his preference if he’s to leave Madrid in the January transfer window.

It’s claimed that, back in the summer, Real told Sociedad they’d inform them if the player was put on the market.

But while the midfielder wants to leave the Bernabeu behind, albeit temporarily, Los Blancos are going to try and get Odegaard to change his mind.

They’ve already weakened themselves by allowing Luka Jovic to leave, with the Serbia international returning to German side Eintracht Frankfurt on loan.

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And what ultimately happens remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Dani Ceballos recently talked up Odegaard by saying: “Young players need to play regularly.

“At Real Madrid, I needed to know that I would have equal opportunities. I was obsessed with playing again.

“I wasn’t getting minutes, but I realised it was best to work and reverse the situation and be important [with another club].

“If I do this [go on loan], I’ll play again. It couldn’t have been any clearer.

“I can tell you what happened to me at Madrid.

“I don’t know exactly what will happen with Martin Odegaard, but it is obvious that any player who wants to succeed at Madrid is going to grab the opportunity he has.”

Arsenal legend Lauren, meanwhile, was recently pressed on if the Gunners should recruit in January.

And he said: “That is a question for Edu and Arteta!

“Arsenal need to give him time to develop.

“When youngsters pop up in the first team, they need people around them to help them improve.

“Arsenal can’t put all the responsibility on Emile Rowe Smith or Saka because their level might drop over the season – they have just started and they are too young to have all the responsibility.

“They need top players around them to reach their potential.”

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