Mikel Arteta raves about the fitness of one of his Arsenal signings, after NLD win

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Mikel Arteta has raved about the work rate and fitness of January recruit Martin Odegaard following Sunday evening’s 2-1 win over North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur – in which Odegaard netted his second Gunners goal.

Odegaard, 22, scored his first Arsenal goal in the week during a 3-1 Europa League away win over Olympiakos – lashing a ball home with a venomous strike from the best part of 25 yards. He made it two on Sunday.

Starting in the North London derby, Odegaard equalised for the Gunners after Erik Lamela scored one of the goals of the season with a beautiful rabona that even nutmegged Thomas Partey on its way into the back of the net.

The Norway international netted his second goal after brilliant work from Kieran Tierney on the left flank. Alexandre Lacazette netted the winner from the penalty spot in the second 45, and Arteta was full of praise for the loanee.

“He’s got a real stamina and he’s so talented, but his work-rate is incredible,” Arteta told the club’s website, after the 2-1 win. “He’s intelligent. The timing of his runs, when he presses, his body shape. I’m really impressed and he had an incredible performance today. He’s giving us something different and it’s making us better.”

TBR’s view – Arteta’s comments surely give Odegaard stance away

If Arteta truly believes that the Real Madrid playmaker really improves Arsenal, then he is already giving away his stance over a permanent deal for the former Sociedad and Vitesse attacker. Surely, he has to sign him, now.

Or at least pursue a deal. The difficulty for Arsenal is that as Odegaard continues to shine for the Gunners, the more his value will increase and therefore, the more chance that Real could price Arsenal out of a summer move.

If Arsenal are wise, they will look to strike a permanent deal now.