Arsenal chief takes “patience” jibe at Real Madrid over Martin Odegaard

The Norwegian star has developed into one of the Premier League’s best midfielders since leaving Real Madrid for Arsenal.

Real Madrid added Martin Odegaard to their youth squad after signing him from Norwegian side Stromsgodset in 2015. Two years later, Odegaard broke into the Blancos’ senior squad but found little playing time in Real Madrid’s star-studded midfield line.

Consecutive loan spells at Heerenveen, Vitesse, and Real Sociedad helped Odegaard’s improvement, but the Blancos were still not ready to keep him in their squad in 2021. A loan offer from Arsenal was then accepted, which changed the midfielder’s career path forever.

“There are players who work well on one team and poorly on another. Our strategy is and was to sign young players, and he fit. He came on loan and then we decided to buy him,” Arsenal sporting director Edu told Marca.

“We have been following Martin for many years and perhaps we have had the patience that others have not. Now he is one of our captains, enjoying himself, and is one of the recognisable faces of our team.”

Odegaard became Arsenal’s youngest captain since Cesc Fabregas when he received the armband in July 2022. The Norway international made his 123rd appearance for the Gunners when they defeated Wolves 2-1 to stay at the top of the Premier League table.