Report: Mikel Arteta blown away by just how good 22-year-old Arsenal gem has been in training

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reportedly been impressed by how good Martin Odegaard has been in training.

In the January transfer window, the Gunners signed the 22-year-old on loan from Real Madrid until the end of the season.

Arteta was eager to bring in a creative midfielder to provide competition for Emile Smith Rowe, and Odegaard has done well so far.

The Norwegian, who arrived at the Emirates Stadium to much fanfare, has made nine appearances for the Gunners to date.

Odegaard opened his account for Arsenal in last Thursday’s Europa League victory at Olympiakos, opening the scoring with a superb curling effort from range.

The Bernabeu loanee then doubled his red-and-white tally with the equalising goal in Sunday’s North London derby en route to a superb 2-1 victory.

According to football.london, Arteta will make a decision on Martin Odegaard’s future at the end of the season.

The early signs are positive and it remains likely that the Arsenal manager will look to extend the player’s stay at Emirates Stadium, added the report.

Football.london also claims that Arteta has so far been impressed with Odegaard’s application in training and ease in which he’s settled into life at the club.

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Just a few months ago, Arsenal were desperate for a quality attacking midfielder, and now they have two.

Better still, Arteta isn’t confirmed to either Odegaard or Smith Rowe at No. 10 – on Sunday, they shone at No. 10 and on the left of attack respectively.

It’s been a rollercoaster season for the Gunners but things are really looking up now, and Arteta is absolutely right to seek an extended stay for Odegaard, given how well he’s doing.