Odegaard transfer hopes doomed as Madrid saga takes twist

Recent reports have suggested that signing Martin Odegaard on a lengthy contract is Arteta’s top priority in what is set to be a busy summer of transfer activity for the Gunners, with a number of arrivals expected as well as some big name departures.

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However, the Spaniard’s wishes to hold on to Odegaard may have taken a huge set-back in the wake of the news that Zinedine Zidane has stepped down from his post as Real Madrid manager.

Zidane’s exit could prove pivotal to Arsenal’s transfer plans, given how he gave the green-light for Odegaard’s loan due to not rating him highly enough to have him around the first team of the La Liga giants.

Odegaard’s biggest admirer back in Spain is Real Madrid club president Florentino Perez, who is likely to block any kind of transfer that would see the midfielder depart the Bernabeu for good.

Odegaard could not prevent Arsenal succumbing to a second season of finishing eighth, though with no FA Cup glory to spare their blushes, next campaign will Arsenal’s first for 25 years without featuring in Europe.