Arsenal signing Odegaard dependent on Europa qualification

Arsenal will only be able to sign Real Madrid loanee Martin Odegaard on a permanent basis if they qualify for European football.

The 22-year-old has settled well since arriving on a short-term deal from Madrid in late January, scoring in back-to-back games for the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta has repeatedly talked up the leadership qualities of the Norway international in recent weeks, suggesting that the Arsenal manager is keen on a permanent deal.

However, The Mirror claims that the North London outfit will only be able to match Madrid’s asking price if their finances are bolstered by a place in the Europa League next term.

Arsenal are currently 10th in the Premier League, seven points behind West Ham United in the final European qualification spot with 10 games to play.

The Gunners can still qualify for the Champions League by going all the way in the Europa League this campaign, with Arteta’s men leading Olympiacos 3-1 heading into this week’s last-16 second leg.