Arsenal are unlikely to sign Martin Odegaard this summer, with the midfielder set to stay at Real Madrid next season, according to a report.

Martin Odegaard of Arsenal FC seen during the UEFA Europa League Semi Final First Leg football match between Villarreal and Arsenal at Estadio de la Ceramica. Villarreal Spain Copyright: Xisco Navarro
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal FC seen during the UEFA Europa League Semi-Final First Leg football match between Villarreal and Arsenal at Estadio de la Ceramica. Villarreal Spain Copyright: Xisco Navarro

The Athletic report that Arsenal may have to reconsider some of their summer plans, with Martin Odegaard set to stay at Real Madrid for the 2021/22 season.

Odegaard was reportedly the Gunners’ first-choice summer target, after his loan spell with the club over the last few months.

But Real don’t want to sell, and the player is in their plans for next season, so it would require him to force the move through. There’s no indication of that happening.

Arsenal will now have to look elsewhere, as they still intend to sign a creative midfielder this summer.

It’s obviously a blow for Arsenal not to land their priority creative signing. Particularly as Odegaard seemed to be finding form at the end of the campaign, with a couple of assists in the final two games of the season.

But on the positive side, this is very early in the window to get clarity on the situation. It’s obviously better to know now and move onto other targets than keep pursuing the Norway international until deadline day only for it to fall through.

As long as Arsenal have good backup targets, there’s plenty of time to make this a successful summer.