Mikel Arteta says Arsenal plan to hold talks with Real Madrid and Martin Odegaard but there is no certainty that the midfielder will stay at the club.
The Norwegian has enjoyed his time in North London, playing regularly and winning the admiration of both the manager and fans. However, there is a strong feeling that Real Madrid might want him back.
When Mikel Arteta was quizzed on Odegaard’s future after our 2-0 win over Brighton, he said:
“We have a very clear and strong opinion on what we’d like to do.
“He’s not our player, we will have discussions in the next few weeks. We respect he’s a Real Madrid player and will have those communications.
“We’ve tried to make everything that we could to get Martin performing for the team, which I think he’s done, and he’s adapted really well to our way of playing and our football club.
“Hopefully, we have given him the hope and the feeling that this could be a good place for him here.”
Asked if he was confident of any form of deal, he added: “I don’t know, it’s not in our hands.”
Meanwhile, the other Real Madrid loanee, Dani Ceballos, has confirmed his exit after two seasons on loan at the club.
The Spaniard played 77 games for the us, making five assists and scoring two goals, including a last-gasp quarter-final winner against Sheffield United on our way to FA Cup success.
The 24-year old announced his departure via a social media post.
Thanks @Arsenal and thanks to all Gunners.
For welcoming me with so much love from the very first day I wore this jersey. For letting me experience the feeling of being a Gunner and allowing me to be a part of your family all this time.
A complicated year – for many reasons- has come to its end. Especially for having missed the chance of living home matches in the Emirates with our supporters. Still, I assure you that I will never forget your warmth and support in every moment. I am sure that Arsenal, being a historic and great team, will soon be back on top, winning championships and being a reference as it is and always has been. This club, and especially its supporters, deserve it, and I am confident that they will achieve it.
Thanks to all those people who are part of the team: coaches, kit men, medical staff, communications and marketing team, employees, managers and especially the supporters.
All those persons who so often work quietly giving all they have for this great club.
I want you to know that I have always worked very hard and tried my very best for this crest and this jersey.
I wish you all the best and the success that I’m sure will come.
Let’s go Gunners!
GOODBYE. THANKS FOR ALL!
