Norway manager comments on Arsenal’s reported move to sign Martin Odegaard

Add as preferred source on Google

Norway manager Stale Solbakken has told VG journalist Arilas Ould-Saada in a video posted on Twitter that he thinks Martin Odegaard will be a good signing for Arsenal – should the Gunners complete a reportedly imminent move for him.

Odegaard, 22, is said to be allowed to leave Real Madrid this month on loan – having managed just five minutes of La Liga action since November. He has fallen down the pecking order under Zinedine Zidane, despite impressed on loan last season.

The 25-time Norway international had a hand in 16 goals during 36 Sociedad outings – and the La Liga side wanted him back. However, reports state that Odegaard has chosen to join Arsenal and try a new style of football in a new country.

Athletic reporter David Ornstein claimed on Twitter that a loan for Odegarrd was 90% done. Now, Solbakken told VG’s ould-Saada that he thinks a move for Odegaard to Arsenal would suit the Madrid playmaker, and fits the Arsenal style of play.

“First of all, if it happens, I think it shows that Martin has an extremely high confidence in himself,” Solbakken said. “Considering he is going to a new league and team that have improved a lot lately, climbed the table and had some good wins.

“It is a team with great traditions that has underperformed for a while now. I like Arteta, I think he is a very good manager. But he is not going to a club that is a self-propelled machine. He is going to another country, another league, a different tempo.

“It shows he has great belief, which makes me happy. The way Arsenal play can fit him well, a kind of football that suits him. He can also play in different midfield roles, whichever Arteta chooses. He will get assists and be a good team player.

TBR’s view – Does Odegaard start over Smith-Rowe?

Probably not to begin with. It is hard to drop Smith-Rowe when the English talent is starring as he is, producing three assists in Arsenal’s last five games. But Odegaard can also play out wide and even deeper in midfield if required.

Odegaard is likely to get more opportunity initially from the bench, in the Cups or in the Europa League which resumes in February. But should Smith-Rowe’s performance level drop, Odegaard will take full advantage.