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Arsenal have until the deadline on Monday at 7pm to complete any final bits of transfer business
Arsenal won 4-0 away at Leeds United on Saturday afternoon. Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus were on the scoresheet for them at Elland Road, whilst Karl Darlow scored an own goal. They remain top of the Premier League table ahead of Manchester City and Aston Villa after 24 fixtures.
The Gunners are hoping that this is the year that they can finally get their hands on the trophy under Mikel Arteta. They are back in action on Tuesday with their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg clash against Chelsea. They won 3-2 at Stamford Bridge in the first leg.
Arsenal star Martin Odegaard linked with Real Madrid
According to Spanish news site Fichajes, Arsenal playmaker Martin Odegaard ‘could’ leave the Emirates Stadium amid attention from Real Madrid. His deal expires in June 2028 but his future is up in the air. The Gunners are under no immediate pressure to cash in on him this winter.
Odegaard, 27, has been with the London outfit since joining them in 2021 on an initial loan that was later made permanent. He has made 222 appearances for them in all competitions to date, 24 of which have come this season, and he has scored 42 goals. The attacking midfielder is no longer guaranteed a regular starting position though.
The Norway international, who has 67 caps to his name, was snapped up by Real Madrid in 2015 and played 11 matches for the La Liga giants as a youngster. He was also shipped out on loan to Heerenveen, Vitesse and Real Sociedad to get some experience under his belt. The ex-Strømsgodset man is now being linked with a shock return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
What now for Martin Odegaard at Arsenal amid Real Madrid talk
Arsenal have a big decision to make regarding Odegaard’s situation. It would be a surprise to see him leave immediately though, especially midway through this campaign. If he left, it could potentially leave them short of options in his position.
Odegaard penned a bumper five-year contract back in 2023. At the time, he said: “Signing a new contract was a really easy decision for me for lots of reasons. Mainly what we are doing right now as a club is special and I want to be a part of that. I'm really excited for what’s to come here. I've found a place where I can be really settled and call my home.
“My story is a bit different maybe as I moved around different clubs since I was 16. At Arsenal, since the first day, I've felt great and this is definitely my home now. I just want to say thanks to everyone working at the club and of course, our fantastic supporters. I will continue to give everything to bring success to this club in the years to come.”
Arsenal will be in confident mood after their victory at Leeds. They ran out comfortable winners in West Yorkshire. Arteta will be hoping City and Aston Villa drop points on Sunday.
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