Martin Odegaard had a trial at Arsenal before signing for Real Madrid, against the advice of a number of people.

Arsenal are on the verge of signing Martin Odegaard on a permanent deal, six years after he had a trial with Arsenal but turned them down to move to Spain.

At the time, a number of people warned Odegaard, who was 16, not to choose Real Madrid or Barcelona, but Real Madrid promised him first-team minutes in his first season, and he signed for them.

In order to keep their promise to Odegaard, Real Madrid gave him 32 league minutes in one match during his first season, brought off the bench when they were 2-0 up at home to Almeria. It was the only time he made the match day squad in 14/15.

Over the course of his Real Madrid career, Odegaard played more games for Arsenal (20 vs 11). They gave him a total of 489 minutes.

Odegaard will now be hoping to settle at one club after spending time on loan with Real Sociedad, Vitesse Arnhem, and Heerenveen, as well as Arsenal in the second half of last season.

He is expected to retain the number 11 shirt he wore last season. Odegaard was reportedly at Arsenal’s training ground on Wednesday, completing his media duties.