Speaking to the Don Robbie YouTube channel, noted journalist Fabrizio Romano mentioned that Arsenal’s priority signing is still Martin Odegaard.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for Leicester City’s James Maddison in the last couple of days. As for Odegaard, the Norwegian playmaker is back at Real Madrid following the end of his loan spell.
When queried on the potential interest in Maddison, Fabrizio confirmed that there is interest in the player but the Englishman is only considered an alternative. Speaking on the channel, he said:
“First of all, it is true that Arsenal are interested in the player. He is appreciated as one of the potential alternatives if they can’t sign Odegaard.”
The journalist was also asked about the Gunners’ efforts to sign the Real midfielder to which he added:
“I’m told that even if they have a 1% chance to sign Odegaard, they want to continue [negotiating with Real Madrid] and to try and sign Odegaard on a permanent deal.
“But at the moment, the situation with Real Madrid is they are still saying ‘no he’s not leaving the club’. So, let’s see if Ancelotti will continue with this position or maybe it will change.”
Arsenal Fever View
This is an encouraging update as it shows the Emirates side are still interested in their main target. When Odegaard was with the north Londoners, the youngster settled in beautifully and quickly became an integral part of the team.
The playmaker had an innate ability to link up with others and that made him such an effective presence in midfield. If the midfielder returns to England, it would be quite a coup for manager Mikel Arteta.
Given how difficult it was for Arsenal to break down teams that defended well, there is a need for a creative midfielder. Odegaard already knows the club and can immediately get going, if the Gunners succeed in taking him away from Madrid.
Maddison is also the type of player who can lift the north Londoners’ attack. If they can somehow convince the Spanish club to part ways with Odegaard, it would be the best possible solution. But if they fail to do so, then they have an extremely talented alternative in Maddison.
Read More: Granit Xhaka wants to leave Arsenal, will ask for transfer after Euros
