Martin Odegaard looks set to join Arsenal on loan in the January transfer window, but would he need to self-isolate upon arrival?

At this point, Martin Odegaard-to-Arsenal looks like a matter of time. Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid and the Gunners were still negotiating last night, with an agreement ‘really close’ now – despite a few outstanding details to be sorted.

The player himself wants Arsenal, with other options like Real Sociedad and Ajax now ruled out. He’s pushing to get the move over the line as soon as possible.

However, Guillem Balague reported that Odegaard’s first appearance would be delayed by a period of isolation. He claimed the midfielder would need 10 days before starting training.

Fortunately, David Ornstein denies the report. He writes that if Arsenal get the deal done, Odegaard has an elite sportsperson exemption. As long as he tests negative for Covid, there’s no isolation period necessary.

The confusion comes from the fact the rules have changed since the summer when the likes of Gabriel needed to isolate on arrival.

Odegaard will probably still need a bit of time to adjust at Arsenal. He hasn’t played at all regularly this season, so he might need a few substitute appearances to get fully up to speed. But at least he can get going with that as soon as the move is confirmed.