Martin Odegaard tipped to leave Arsenal for €80m

Real Madrid are interested in re-signing Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard, according to a shock report in Spain.

The Norway international has just two-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium and he has been linked with a surprise exit in recent weeks.

Kai Havertz was selected ahead of the 27-year-old during Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Leeds United on Saturday, while the Gunners also have Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino and Ethan Nwaneri, who is currently on loan at Olympique Marseille, as attacking midfield depth if Odegaard departs.

Rumours suggest that Odegaard is exploring his options ahead of a potential departure later this year and Spanish publication Fichajes now claim that a return to Real Madrid could be on the cards for €80 million.

The Norway superstar spent six years at Real Madrid before joining Arsenal in 2021, but he made just 11 senior appearances for the club and was sent out on four separate loan spells after being deemed surplus to requirements by Los Blancos officials.

However, a return to the Bernabeu could potentially be on the cards in 2026 as Alvaro Arbeloa’s side look to bolster their midfield ranks amid rumours that both Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz could depart the club later this year.

Martin Odegaard to leave Arsenal?

Although Odegaard has been a pivotal player for Arsenal since his arrival at the club, Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes he is a key reason behind the Gunners’ struggles to create chances from open play in recent months.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Scholes said: “Odegaard could be the problem. Odegaard wants to play as a No.10 and if you’re not playing good football it’s his job to make your team play good football. Good attacking football. I don’t think he does it.

“He drops into midfield. Look, I like him, technically he’s brilliant and good to watch. But he drops into midfield. I played No.10, if they come into the midfield area and play where Roy [Keane] should be he’d say ‘f*** off’, get up there. He doesn’t do it enough in those areas where it wins games.”

Scholes added: “You think about the teams we’ve watched win the league like Liverpool and Man City, exciting to watch.

“They’re exciting because of people like David Silva, Phil Foden receiving the ball on the edge of the box where it’s important. It also kills the centre forward [Viktor Gyokeres] he’s got nobody to play with. They are imperative to make your team play good football.”

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