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Martin Ødegaard is open to the idea of making his move to Arsenal permanent.
The Norwegian international moved to the Emirates on loan for the rest of the season in January from Real Madrid, and the deal included no option to buy.
It was widely assumed that the 22-year old would return to Madrid to fight for his place under Zinedine Zidane but he has settled in well with his new club, and Arsenal chiefs hope that he pushes to make the switch to North London into a long-term stary.
Having made two substitute appearances, Ødegaard was given his full debut in the Premier League against Leeds United on Sunday and he lasted 79 minutes before he was subbed-off. His performances earned praise from fans and manager Mikel Arteta alike. It also proved that he could play with Emile Smith-Rowe in the same side, rather than it simply being an either/or option.
Speaking after the game Arteta said “To run the way he did, how comfortable and creative he was on the ball, and the personality he showed in the game, it was great.”
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.