According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Arsenal are close to reaching an agreement with Real Madrid for the transfer of attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian did not train with the Spanish giants’ main group in the latest session amid Arsenal links. After being left out of Madrid’s squad for the win against Alaves on the opening day of the La Liga season, too, it comes as no surprise to see the move edge closer and closer, with a €35 million the reported price.
Of course, if you cast your minds back to last season, Odegaard had a loan spell at the Emirates, in which he became somewhat of a fan favourite – resulting in many Arsenal fans calling for his permanent return.
Arsenal Close to Martin Odegaard Agreement
Do Arsenal Need Another Attacking Midfielder?
With Emile Smith Rowe now one of the first names on the Arsenal team sheet, the question rises as to whether Arsenal even need Martin Odegaard. In fact, the attacking midfield position is arguably one of the strongest in the Arsenal ranks. They have strengthened in defence this summer, despite overseeing improvements last season, and they found a creative outlet in Smith Rowe. You could argue that what they really need is a clinical forward.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang used to be the go-to man, but now he looks nothing more than a 32-year-old, who is losing his greatest asset. His pace. Arsenal’s problems in their opening day defeat of the season against Brentford exposed their problems for all to see. They lack a focal point. Even if Aubameyang was fit, it must be said, a loss still would have been the likely outcome, such is the disarray on the pitch at times.
Odegaard will add quality in the present and future, but, if his transfer is how the budget is blown, the Gunners will be in for an extremely long season ahead.
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