Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard could have signed for Tottenham Hotspur as a teenager, according to an exclusive by John Cross in the Daily Mirror.

The Norwegian midfielder, who recently committed his future to Arsenal with a new five-year deal, was a major target for Spurs when he played for Stromsgodset in his home country.

Tottenham, evidently keen on securing the young talent, even dispatched their then-technical director Franco Baldini to Norway.

Baldini met with Odegaard’s father, Hans Erik, and dined with Stromsgodset’s directors in an effort to build a relationship and seal the deal.

Odegaard, who had debuted for Stromsgodset at just 15 years old, was considered one of Europe’s most promising young talents at the time. Spurs invested significant effort to win over both his family and club, with Baldini returning to London hopeful of finalising a deal.

However, Real Madrid stepped in and altered the course of events which ultimately led to Odegaard moving to Arsenal, who also tried to sign him before his move to Spain.

Zinedine Zidane, then coaching Real Madrid’s B team, made a direct call to Odegaard to lure him to the Bernabeu.

Odegaard eventually signed for the Spanish giants at 16 for an initial fee of £3 million, which later rose to £6 million.

This left Tottenham – and Arsenal –  among many European clubs, disappointed and empty-handed.

Steve Morrow, a former Arsenal star, also played a key role in Odegaard’s eventual move to the Emirates.

At the time, Morrow was the head of Arsenal‘s youth development and had also pursued Odegaard when he was at Stromsgodset.

This early show of interest and commitment from Arsenal played a crucial role in influencing Odegaard’s decision when the opportunity to join the Gunners presented itself again.

Tottenham’s previous strong interest had no impact on Odegaard who says he has found his ‘home’ at Arsenal.

His recent commitment to Arsenal has been well received, especially considering the club’s current trajectory.

Odegaard expressed his confidence in Arsenal’s ongoing project in another interview, stating, “People want to be here as part of the project. What we are doing is really special and the players see what the manager wants to do, how the club is progressing, the connection we now have with the fans.

“It’s a no-brainer for players to be part of that.”

With Odegaard now firmly part of Arsenal’s plans, and with the captain’s armband to boot, the Gunners have not only secured a talented player but the player himself also dodged the bullet of having to play for Spurs.

Odegaard’s current stance suggests a rewarding future both for him and Arsenal, as they look to solidify their position among England’s and Europe’s elite clubs.