Mikel Arteta has claimed Martin Odegaard is “really happy” at Arsenal, as the board prepare to back the manager’s summer transfer plans.
The Real Madrid loanee has offered the Gunners a real creative spark since joining during the January transfer window.
That form has led to an increased clamour to make the 22-year-old’s stay in north London a more long-term one.
At present, Odegaard is set to return to Real at the end of the season, although Football.London report the player is keen to remain with Arsenal next season.
Arsenal will have to negotiate with Los Blancos in order to extend his stay at the Emirates, but Arteta believes he has seen enough promising signs from Odegaard.
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“I speak with him every day,” he said. “I see his face, his body language and he seems really happy right now here.
“Our contract with him is until the end of the season. What we have to do is try to make him perform, develop and be as happy as he can be.”
It is believed the Norwegian international won’t push for a move if an offer isn’t lodged, with ambitions of breaking into Zinedine Zidane’s line-up.
(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
“Yes, as I have said many times when you sign there, the goal is always to play there. It is of course a big dream,” Odegaard told TV2.
However, he did add: “But at the same time I am in a nice club and am very happy where I am now. So I am very happy with the situation as it is now.”
Meanwhile, Arteta confirmed that the Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke is ready to back his plans in the summer window.
After reporting losses of £47.8 million in the 2019/20 financial year – 12 months hugely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic – Gunners bosses are still ready to help Arteta shape the squad in his image.
(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
“The team is going to reflecting in better performance, results and at the end of the season we’ll see where we are and have a discussion.
“We know that certain scenarios can vary and that we cannot control.
“They’re going to be dependent on things today we can’t determine, but the plan is to go ahead with what we want and I know they fully agree with that and they’ve been fully supportive of us.”
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