Real Madrid are counting on Martin Odegaard to return to their squad for next season, according to reports in Spain.

Marca report that although selling players who have spent the season on loan will be the norm for Real Madrid this summer, Martin Odegaard is one of few exceptions.

The Spanish outlet claims Real Madrid are counting on Odegaard to integrate into their first-team squad next season. They highlight the lack of midfielders in the team and the uncertainty around Isco’s future.

Odegaard himself spoke to the media this week about his future, and he didn’t give too much away.

“I am happy here at Arsenal, but we will see after the season what will happen. At the moment I don’t know,” Odegaard said. “I’m owned by Real Madrid, so we have to speak to them. It’s important to know what they want.”

From the sounds of things, what Real want is for Odegaard to return and play for them. The 22-year-old still has another two years on his contract and could be tempted by sticking with his parent club despite his growing affections for Arsenal.

After all, Real Madrid will be challenging for trophies and playing European football as usual, two things we can’t guarantee with Arsenal.

The one advantage Arsenal had in January was that they were willing to play Odegaard more regularly. But if Real now also consider him a key member of next season’s squad, then that edge is gone. It’s not looking like an easy transfer this summer.