Arsenal has completed the signing of Martin Odegaard, 22-year-old Norwegian international from Real Madrid on loan as announcement is imminent
Odegaard, 22, recently became available a loan move after it had became clear that he would not be getting regular minutes under Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid.
Gunners technical director Edu had spoken with Odegaard’s father Hans and agent Bjorn Tore Kvarme, while on-loan midfielder Dani Ceballos had also helped convinced the Norwegian to pick Arsenal over Real Sociedad where he spent part of last season on loan.
The six-month loan deal is not expected to include an option to buy and is similar to the agreement Arsenal currently have with Real Madrid over Ceballos, who is expected to return to the Bernabeu in the summer.
“Young players need to play regularly,’ said Ceballos of Odegaard.
“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.”
Arsenal have a good relationship with Real Madrid after the loan agreement with Ceballos and were among the clubs interested in signing Isco recently, who decided to stay in Madrid after his wife gave birth.
Odegaard, who has made nine appearances for Los Blancos this season, is expected to miss training today before travelling to London to put the finishing touches on his short-term deal.
The first phase of Arsenal’s transfer window was to clear out the highly-paid players including Mesut Ozil and Sokratis Papastathopoulos, while loan deals for Sead Kolasinac and William Saliba has also been secured.
“We have done the first part more or less and we are focusing now on the second phase,” said Arteta.
“Obviously this market and the context makes it difficult, but we are looking at options and we will see what we can do.
“We are looking at various positions because the movement we have made in this window with some players leaving the club has left us a little bit short in certain areas.
“So if we can, we will do it and if we can’t, we will keep going with what we have.”
As per reports in Spain, Odegaard has become frustrated with his lack of game time in recent months and has been assured of a platform to showcase his qualities at the highest level, where he’ll compete with Emile Smith Rowe for a place in the Arsenal starting XI.
The Gunners are still in the market for a goalkeeper and left-back with Alex Runarsson also expected to go out on loan in the coming days.
Done Deal Maty Ryan
Arsenal also welcome Maty Ryan on loan from Brighton. The 28-year-old international has made 124 appearances since signing for the south-coast side in 2017.
💬 “Mat is an experienced goalkeeper and a proven talent in the Premier League. He will further strengthen our squad with his knowledge of playing at the highest level."
🗣 Edu on @MatyRyan pic.twitter.com/cHUqhGuXmG
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 22, 2021
Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan is joining us on loan for the remainder of the season from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 28-year-old international has made 124 appearances since signing for the south-coast side in 2017.
Click here to buy your ‘Ryan 33’ shirt now!
Technical director Edu said: “Mat is an experienced goalkeeper, a proven talent in the Premier League and has also played many internationals for Australia. Mat will further strengthen our squad with his experience and knowledge of playing at the highest level.
“Following Matt Macey’s recent move to Hibernian, Mat will provide very good competition and positive support to all our goalkeepers and we are looking forward to him integrating quickly into the set-up here at Arsenal.”
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