Martin Odegaard has reportedly decided to stay at Real Madrid in a huge blow to Arsenal's aspirations of signing the Norwegian playmaker.
After struggling to make his mark under Zinedine Zidane during the first half of the 2020-21 season, Odegaard secured a loan move to Arsenal and impressed under the tutelage of Mikel Arteta.
With the number 10 position a priority for Arteta and technical director Edu in the upcoming transfer window, the Gunners have been expected to pursue a permanent move for Odegaard after his positive impression.
However, The Athletic reports that the 22-year-old is now planning to stay put at Real Madrid next season in the hope that he will be given a new lease of life under Carlo Ancelotti.
The news comes as a further blow to Arsenal's creative pursuits after Aston Villa beat them to the signing of Emiliano Buendia, but they are believed to have made contact with Real Betis over a deal for Nabil Fekir.
Odegaard scored two goals and assisted two more for Arsenal during his brief stint at the club, and his Real Madrid contract is set to expire in 2023.
Ben Knapton
