Arsenal are close to agreeing a fee of around £34m with Real Madrid for Martin Ødegaard, with the Norway international set to sign a five-year deal at the Emirates. Negotiations with the Spanish side are reaching conclusion having intensified in recent days and Ødegaard was omitted from their squad to face Alavés at the weekend. He is known to have enjoyed his spell in north London, which brought 20 appearances, with Arsenal having sold Joe Willock to Newcastle last week in anticipation of the Norwegian’s arrival. Arteta also considered a move for Leicester’s James Maddison but opted to move for Ødegaard instead. Arsenal are also still hoping to sign Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United and have reopened negotiations for the England Under-21 goalkeeper.

Source: The Guardian August 17, 2021 22:30 UTC