Martin Odegaard is happy and would like to stay with Arsenal this summer but a number of factors are likely to make that transfer difficult for him and Arsenal.

A lot of speculation exists around the future of Martin Odegaard but this week the midfielder told Sky Sport Deutschland [via Marca], “I’m happy here at Arsenal, we will see after the season what will happen.

“I’m owned by Real Madrid, so we have to speak to them, it’s important to understand what they want.”

Earlier this week, Football.London reported that Martin Odegaard had told those close to him that he’d like to stay with Arsenal this summer, having been impressed by Mikel Arteta and made to feel he’s a valued part of the squad.

Another move to North London is not likely to be straightforward, however. For a start, Football.London highlight that Arsenal may not be able to afford Odegaard without European football, if Real Madrid are even willing to sell given it is being reported the Spaniards want him in their squad for next season.

On that note, DefensaCentral reported that Zinedine Zidane believes Real Madrid would have won La Liga if Odegaard had stayed, and he was clearly unhappy with the way things panned out with the player.

There are also rumours that Zidane may be leaving the club at the end of the season. If so, that may have an effect on Odegaard’s decision, as it was Zidane’s reluctance to use him more often that saw him pushing for a loan in the first place.

Clearly, there are a lot of obstacles to overcome. Arsenal need to secure the funds for the move, they need to convince Real Madrid to sell, and they need to hope Odegaard is just as keen to join without European football when he could remain with his parent club and potentially play regularly under a new manager.

Odegaard has made 18 appearances for Arsenal so far, including 13 starts, scoring two goals.

There is no option to buy for Arsenal in his loan agreement.