Arsenal Reach Agreement To Sign Martin Odegaard From Real Madrid

Martin Odegaard is on the verge of joining Premier League side Arsenal in a loan deal until the end of the season, according to reports in Spain.

The Real Madrid playmaker has started just five games for the Spanish giants this season after returning from a successful loan spell at Real Sociedad.

Odegaard flourished under the management of Imanol Alguacil, who had hoped the midfielder would stay put, but the 22-year-old was recalled from his loan spell at the end of last season at the request of Zinedine Zidane.

The Norwegian international was seen as a player to freshen things up in midfield areas by Zidane, although he has used the player sparingly since returning, with the player seemingly frustrated with a lack of first team opportunities.

Reports this week suggested that the midfielder has 'demanded' another loan move to secure more time on the pitch.

And just days later, it appears Real Sociedad have lost out to Mikel Arteta's Arsenal in the race to sign Odegaard, according to Spanish publications El Confidencial, El Diario and AS.

It's said that Sociedad wanted an option to buy clause included in the loan deal, but Los Blancos do not want him to move permanently.

The Daily Mail report that Arsenal's technical director Edu began negotiations last week to sign the Norwegian playmaker.

Dani Ceballos, who is currently on loan at Arsenal from Real Madrid, recently spoke about Odegaard's situation amid transfer speculation.

"I can tell you about what happened to me at Madrid," he told EFE.

"I don't know exactly what happens about Martin, but it is obvious that any player who wants to succeed at Madrid is going to grab the opportunity he has.

"I don't know what Martin's thoughts are but I know mine and I think that when you are young and you have goals and objectives, what you need is to play regularly and if you don't, it's like something is missing.

"I imagine that is what is happening to Martin."

Are Arsenal fans happy with this deal to sign Odegaard on a loan deal until the end of the season?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Football News, Football, Martin Odegaard, Transfers, Arsenal, Real Madrid

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_