Martin Odegaard isn’t ruling out a return to Arsenal this summer, and Real Madrid would be open to a departure for a fee in the region of €50m.

Martin Odegaard of Norway during the FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Gibraltar and Norway on March 24, 2021, in Gibraltar. Photo: Vegard Wivestad Grott / BILDBYRAN
Martin Odegaard of Norway during the FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Gibraltar and Norway on March 24, 2021, in Gibraltar. Photo: Vegard Wivestad Grott / BILDBYRAN

Following up on the talk in the Spanish media over the last couple of days that Martin Odegaard could consider rejoining Arsenal, Marca reported on Wednesday night that Real Madrid’s financial situation means that any player could realistically be sold.

Arsenal have reportedly already made an approach for Odegaard, but Real initially decided they wanted to give him another chance this season.

All the same, ESPN report that Real would not rule out a departure if the player pushes for an exit and a €50m (£42.5m) offer comes along. For the time being, they’re still hoping he’ll fight for a spot with his current club though.

There was a report from MadridistaReal on Thursday that Odegaard would prefer another loan rather than a permanent sale, but ESPN claim that’s “highly unlikely” in Real’s financial state. The next couple of weeks are expected to be crucial for Odegaard’s future.

Based on previous reports there seems little doubt that Arsenal would be interested in bringing Odegaard back.

We just don’t know if they’re ready to meet Real’s demands, and whether Odegaard would actively push to complete the transfer if the La Liga club were hesitant. That’s a very different thing to being open to a move.