Arsenal have completed the loan signing of Real Madrid’s Norwegian midfielder Martin Ødegaard.

Martin Ødegaard made it known of his desire to move away from Madrid for the remainder of the season in order to play regular first team football, having played just nine times for Real Madrid so far this campaign.

Real Madrid held talks with the midfielder, and according to reports blocked a potential return for Martin Ødegaard to Real Sociedad, the club he enjoyed a successful loan spell with last season registering seven goals and nine assists helping the club to an excellent sixth placed finish in La Liga.

Real Madrid cut short his two-year loan spell last summer but have failed to provide him with the regular minutes his talents and abilities deserve.

The midfielder has reportedly chosen to move across to London. A deal which could provide just the tonic Mikel Arteta needs in order to continue Arsenal’s development this season. With Mesut Ozil departing to join Fenerbache in Turkey, Arsenal are of course in need of a creative outlet, a position that has so far eluded them this season.

Academy product Emile Smith-Rowe has taken on the role in the last few weeks and is proving a key component in Arsenal’s recent revival, providing three assists in 6 games as they look to push on for and build on their recent upturn in form.

It is evidently clear though, that Smith-Rowe cannot do it on his own despite his incredible influence in Arsenal’s recent attacking displays, a run that has seem them pick up five wins from six games since their defeat to Everton before Christmas.

Quality and depth is needed in the creative areas and Martin Ødegaard may well prove the perfect addition for Arsenal. The Norwegian wonderkid is a creative phenomenon, evidently shown throughout his loan spell at Real Sociedad last season where he formed a devastating partnership with Spanish playmaker Mikel Oyarzabal.

The 22-year-old possesses all the makings to become one of the best creative players of his generation. Technique, vision, passing, spatial awareness, high number of chances created, and a stupendous left-foot, Martin Ødegaard will instantly demand the attention of many in the Premier League.

He desperately needs game time, minutes that would aid his development which has somewhat stalled at Real Madrid due to Zinedine Zidane’s lack of faith in youth.

The midfielder ranked third for expected assists last season (6.81), sixth for chances created (62), second for through ball attempts (19). He’s a luxurious player, one who is very well versed in the ability to take up position in between the lines of an opponent’s midfield and defence, link play and create endless opportunities for his forwards. Last season, Ødegaard recorded a staggering 2.14 key passes, 5.02 final third passes and a whopping 7.22 progressive passes per 90 for Real Sociedad, highlighting his incredible influence in attack and devastating creative edge.

Ødegaard is a player blessed with such remarkable versatility, he’s very effective from anywhere across the midfield and attack. He regularly lining up for Sociedad from the number 8 in midfielder, but also had the license to roam into no.10, also when lining up right wing. The Norwegian works best when he is allowed the freedom to roam across the attacking third without being restricted to one particular area. Wherever he ends up playing for Arsenal, he’ll still possess the understanding and nous required to create chances for his teammates and for himself.

Ødegaard is also devastating from set-piece situations too, whether an indirect free-kick or a direct one, his admirable qualities in whipping in delicious deliveries from corners and free-kicks as well as also having the capabilities to score from them could prove such a vital and valuable weaponry for Mikel Arteta at the Emirates.

Martin Ødegaard is a player of such incredible quality and class, a player that Mikel Arteta surely feels can take the club to that next level. The Norwegian hasn’t been provided with the opportunities at Real Madrid, with Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Federico Valverde all vying for the same position but a move on loan to Arsenal is a fantastic deal for both parties.

However, there are some questions regarding the deal, Ødegaard will only be at the club for six months so it will be cruel of the Arsenal faithful to expect so much so soon. For a player of his young age, coming to a new environment for only a short period of time could throw up a number of issues for the midfielder, an issue Arteta would need to keep tabs on in order for Ødegaard to thrive at the Emirates. Though, the fact that Arteta personally spoke to the player regarding the move means the former Manchester City coach identifies these potential ramifications but sees the Norwegian as a valuable component for his side and a player who could instantly come in and provide a telling impact from the off.

Arteta holds a young growing squad at his disposal and Ødegaard represents the perfect addition to what could well be a very good squad capable of having a much better second-half of the season.

How Could Arsenal Line-Up With Martin Ødegaard?

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