Mikel Arteta hints he would like to make a move for attacking midfielder
Mikel Arteta may have provided Arsenal fans with a hint about one of his potential transfer movements in the summer window.
Of course, the January transfer window has only just happened, which should surely make it far too early to be talking about the recruitment plans that clubs may have in the summer.
However, with the nature of the business that football is in, transfers will continue to be speculated until they are completely banned; which is something that will never happen, and those that use casinos not on gamstop will likely be pleased that is the case.
Anyways, Mikel Arteta has recently fanned the flames that can be associated with the transfer market and has revealed that he may want to turn Martin Odegaard’s loan spell into a permanent switch, should the opportunity present itself.
The Norway international only arrived from Real Madrid on loan in the January window but appears to have already made a positive impact whilst wearing the Gunners’ shirt.
Indeed, the Spaniard has already described Odegaard as a player who has all the potential to become one of the very best players in the world and has now hinted that he would like to work with him for a little longer than the current six months he has with the club on loan.
“We have Martin for a few months from Real Madrid and first of all we have to maximise this time with him to try to bring to the team all the qualities he has,” Arteta said.
“At the end of the season, we will sit together and decide where we can take that relationship forward. At the moment it doesn’t just depend on us.”
It probably does not come as a surprise to learn that Arteta is a fan of what he has witnessed in Odegaard’s short spell in north London already, as the 22-year-old has been touted to be a player with all the ability to make it in the game for a very, very long time; hence why Real Madrid eventually decided to sign him.
The youngster has had numerous loan spells already, but has continued to show his quality when given the opportunity to shine; something he is now looking to do whilst at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking after their win against Leeds United, the manager was full of praise:
“On the pitch he is showing a lot of character and a lot of intelligence,” Arteta said. “They are characteristics that a leader should have.
“He has been here a very short time but he has adapted very quickly. He is getting more and more respect from the players and the staff and his weight on the team will increase with every week.”
Despite the fact that Arsenal seem keen, whether Real Madrid or Odegaard are as keen remains to be seen. There are positive signs from the player, himself, as he gave an interview in Norway saying he was enjoying life in the English capital and failed to rule out the possibility of extending his stay.
But, whether Real Madrid will be willing to do business is the key question and something that may not be provided with an answer until the summer months.
