Arteta drops Odegaard permanent transfer hint in rich admiration

The Norwegian has featured only thrice ever since his January switch, but it seems he has already left a big impression on the Gunners boss.

Mikel Arteta is convinced that Martin Odegaard has the potential to become one of the best players in the world.

Odegaard, in search of regular game time after being afforded just 232 league minutes in the first half of the season at Real Madrid, joined Arsenal on a six-month loan deal in January.

The 22-year-old has already played the matches since then, making two substitute appearances and one start all in the Premier League.

Arsenal had been missing a creative force in the middle of the park, and his link-up play, eye for a pass, and intelligence in the final third have been admired by the fans.

Arteta appears to suggest that he could sign Odegaard on a permanent transfer, admitting that he ‘really likes’ the player.

“Well, he’s got the potential [to be one of the best],” said the Spaniard ahead of his side’s Europa League last-16 1st leg tie against Benfica, via Goal.

“I followed him very closely when he was at Real Sociedad and he was really impressive over there for long periods. He had a really successful season over there and that’s one of the reasons why I was so convinced that he’s a player for us.

“He’s a player that I really like and, as you say, still has huge potential to become even better.”