Martin Odegaard signs for Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid until end of the season… and could make his debut against Man United

Arsenal have announced the signing of highly-rated Norwegian attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard on a six-month loan.

Odegaard is the Gunners’ second signing of the window as they look to bolster their squad for a late Champions League push. The 22-year-old will provide much needed creativity to an Arsenal side that has been inconsistent in front of goal this season.

After Impressing for Real Sociedad last season with seven goals and nine assists in all competitions. Odegaard was very close to re-joining La Real again this window but, was eventually persuaded to join the Gunners by manager Mikel Arteta.

‘I spoke to Mikel before coming. It was very important to me. He seems like a top manager. I like his ideas and the way he sees football. He gave me a great feeling. He was crucial,’ the playmaker said upon joining the club.

Arsenals new No 11 has also revealed why he thinks the switch to north London suits him.

‘I like the club and I always liked the way that the club wants to play. Everything about the club and now how the manager wants to play, I think it’s a club that really suits me well. So I think it’s a good match. It seems like a great project,’ he continued.

Odegaard is expected to slot into No 10 role in Arteta’s 4-2-3-1 formation and will likely share some game time with the club’s emerging youngster Emile Smith-Rowe who has impressed in recent weeks.

Unbeaten in seven league games and sitting just five points outside the Champions League places Arsenal host title challengers Manchester United on Saturday where Odegaard could get his first taste of Premier League football.

By Bryce Densham