Arsenal stunned as Carlo Ancelotti reportedly makes decision on Martin Odegaard

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal have been handed a blow in their quest to sign Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid. AS are now claiming that the Norwegian is one of three players who will earn a reprieve under Carlo Ancelotti.

The Norway captain featured for Los Blancos during their latest pre-season outing. Ancelotti took his team to Ibrox to face Rangers and saw his team lose 2-1.

Rodrygo scored for Real Madrid, with Fashion Sakala and Cedric Itten scoring for Steven Gerrard’s team.

It was perhaps telling that Odegaard featured, however. For Mikel Arteta, that doesn’t bode well and it could be a case of back to the drawing board.

Arsenal took the 22-year-old on loan for the second half of 2020/21. He made 20 appearances for the club and scored a memorable goal during a win over Tottenham.

Earlier this summer it had been claimed that Odegaard was a primary target for Arsenal. Now, however, the likelihood of his return to North London looks somewhat slim.

Ancelotti is back in the Spanish capital for a second spell in charge. He will aim to wrestle the La Liga title away from the grasp of Atletico who won it last year.

It seems as though he could see Odegaard as integral to his team’s fortunes next season.

Arsenal missing out on Odegaard isn’t the worst thing in the world

With Emile Smith Rowe now tied to a new contract and given the number 10 shirt, it’s fair to say Arteta rates him extremely highly.

Odegaard wouldn’t come cheap. He earns £85,000-a-week at the Bernabeu and Arsenal have more pressing concerns.

A right-back is needed, whilst another option upfront certainly wouldn’t go amiss either.

Arteta is a big fan of Odegaard but he has enough creativity within his ranks to get over Ancelotti’s decision.

Arsenal should continue to monitor Odegaard by all means but landing him right now shouldn’t be a pressing concern.