Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is reportedly ready to let Martin Odegaard complete a permanent transfer to Arsenal.
According to a report from Football Insider, the Madrid boss “doesn’t like or want” Odegaard in his squad, and would happily allow him to leave the club if he remains as manager.
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It is unclear, however, if Zidane definitely will keep his job after a difficult season at the Bernabeu, according to Football Insider.
Arsenal fans will surely be hoping the French tactician is still in charge next season, with Odegaard proving a big hit since joining on loan in January.
The Norway international hadn’t been a regular at Real but has shown his class and quality in his short time at the Emirates Stadium so far.
Mikel Arteta could do with a player of his calibre coming in in that position, with Mesut Ozil leaving for Fenerbahce in the winter transfer window.
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Odegaard offers similar creativity and quality on the ball to Ozil, so could be the ideal long-term replacement for the German in that number ten role.
It’s surprising that Zidane doesn’t seem willing to give the 22-year-old more of a chance, but at the moment that looks like it could be good news as far as Arsenal are concerned.