‘Not by any stretch’: Alan Smith questions Arsenal signing of Martin Odegaard

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Former Arsenal star Alan Smith has played down the incoming arrival of Martin Odegaard, telling Astro SuperSport, that he won’t walk into the team.

The talented youngster is set to join the Gunners from Real Madrid on loan until the end of the season.

He spent last season on loan with Real Sociedad but will now embark on a six-month spell in the Premier League.

Smith doesn’t think he will be the exciting addition that many are tipping him to be.

He told Astro SuperSport: “To have another option perhaps. I don’t think he walks into the team by any stretch.

“You think back to Denis Suarez. He came to the club and physically he just wasn’t ready. In the end, it was embarrassing.

“I wouldn’t expect him to start many games, somebody who will just dip in and out perhaps.

“Ceballos has done well during his time at the Emirates I think so hopefully Odegaard could come and with a point to prove, add something to what they’ve got.”

Odegaard has played nine times for Los Blancos this team but has failed to convince Zinedine Zidane.

Last season he scored seven goals and registered nine assists during 36 games for the San Sebastian-based outfit.

TBR View: Odegaard could thrive under Arteta

Smith’s concerns are perhaps valid but Martin Odegaard isn’t Denis Suarez.

The youngster showcased his talents last season and produced a quality season for Real Sociedad.

Arsenal have struggled for a creative spark and Odegaard will certainly help improve the Gunners in that sense.

As when any player joins from another country, there’s always a wait and see element but the Norwegian is blessed with plenty of talent.

The £85,000-a-week ace has a superb passing radar and at 22 he fits the profile of an Arteta player.

If he is handed the opportunity to impress on a frequent basis, he could quickly become a fan favourite during his latest loan.

The 25-cap international will still hope to make an impact at the Bernabeu at some point in his career.

In the short-term, it’ll be hoped that he can help Arsenal climb the Premier League

If he shines, he will make Smith eat his words.