Norway manager discusses reports Arsenal could sign Martin Odegaard permanently this summer

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Stale Solbakken has told Aftenposten that he believes that a return to North London side Arsenal would be good for Martin Odegaard this summer. The playmaker starred on loan last season at Arsenal, and reports suggest he could return to The Emirates. Solbakken has backed a move to Arsenal.

Odegaard, 22, has returned to Real Madrid after clocking up 20 appearances in all competitions during the second half of last season. In that time, the Real Madrid ace scored two goals and created two more. The Sunday Mirror (15/8; page 68) report that Arsenal are in talks to sign Odegaard on loan.

The deal is expected to be an initial loan, but this time, there is a chance of a permanent move – in the summer of 2022. The report claims Arsenal will have first refusal to sign Odegaard for a fee of £30million. Norway gaffer Solbakken was asked about Odegaard, and he backed a move to Arsenal.

“That’s for sure,” Solbakken told Aftenpost, when asked if a move to Arsenal is a good one for Odegaard. “He has many opportunities, many who want him. So he, his representatives and the family will find out. He has been very good at picking out the right clubs before.”

Odegaard needs Arsenal to progress his career, amid Solbakken claim

Arsenal obviously need Odegaard, they need all the help they can get after a woeful first result. But Odegaard needs Arsenal. He needs to leave Real Madrid but remain at a big club where he can remain excited about his football. So he needs a big club, where he is first choice.

Arsenal is perfect. Already loved by fans, Odegaard can take Arsenal’s creativity into the next stratosphere. He will not need to adapt. If Arsenal can get him permanently, on loan, on loan with an obligation or an option, it has got to be done. Get him in.