Arsenal target Martin Odegaard confirms he will play for Real Madrid next season

Arsenal loanee and transfer target Martin Odegaard confirms that he will play for Ancelotti's Real Madrid next season.

Martin Odegaard-Arsenal
Martin Odegaard-Arsenal

Arsenal signed Martin Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid during the January transfer window, and the Norwegian was outstanding for the Gunners.

There were reports that Arsenal would try to sign the young attacking midfielder on a permanent deal this summer, but the player has now confirmed that he will return to the Spanish club.

Odegaard told TV2: “Real Madrid have been clear that they would like me back. So then it will be time to go there when the training starts up again. Of course, it has always been a dream to play there. I have been in the club for over six years now, which has always been the goal. I always want to play; I have said that all the time. Playing hard is important.” 

Quizzed on whether he has spoken with Ancelotti, Odegaard added: “No, not with him personally, but I have spoken a lot with the club and had close contact. So I feel they have a good overview.”

Odegaard struggled for regular game time when Zinedine Zidane was in charge of the Spanish club. It will be interesting to see if he can resurrect his future in Spain under Carlo Ancelotti.

The 22-year-old will be hoping to showcase his talent and potential for Real Madrid next season, and it will be interesting to see if Ancelotti is willing to give him the chances he needs.

Odegaard made quite an impression in the Premier League last year, and there is no doubt that he has the potential to succeed in the Spanish league as well.

 When Ancelotti joined Real Madrid, he revealed that he is looking to give opportunities to Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard to prove themselves at the club, and it would only be fair that Odegaard gets the same treatment at Santiago Bernabeu next season.