Carlo Ancelotti makes decision over Arsenal loanee Martin Odegaard’s future.
Arsenal’s dreams of keeping Martin Odegaard at the club have taken a definitive hit with new Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti ready to welcome him back into the fold, according to reports.
The Norwegian playmaker did not get a glimpse in under the previous manager Zinedine Zidane and was dispatched out on loan in January where he flourished under Mikel Arteta’s watch at the Emirates.
Odegaard signed off the season with back-to-back assists in the final two matches of the campaign, against Crystal Palace and Brighton, and Arsenal had wished to secure either a permanent contract or another loan.
But Ancelotti’s arrival to the Bernabeu has finally ended those projects, with Spanish newspaper ABC reporting that Odegaard will be part of Real’s first-team squad next summer.
Although there are uncertainties over some fringe players and loanees – such as Brahim Diaz and Luka Jovic – Odegaard’s spot in the Real team is ‘assured’.
Ancelotti has promptly discussed transfer targets with Real’s regime and wants to bring in a new forward and center-back, but additions in midfield are not needed because he trusts Odegaard.
The new Real Madrid manager name-checked Odegaard at his first press conference, implying he sees the 22-year-old as an important part of his squad going forward.
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Speaking at his unveiling, Ancelotti said:
“With this squad, without loan players like [Gareth] Bale, Odegaard and [Dani] Ceballos, Madrid reached the Champions League semis and fought for La Liga. So we have the players to win trophies.”
Ancelotti was really in charge of Real when Odegaard was first signed as a 15-year-old, though the Italian coach spoke somewhat disparagingly about the youngster’s entry in his book, Quiet Leadership, and may have some bridges to build.
“When Florentino buys a Norwegian footballer, you simply have to accept it. Furthermore, the president decided that he would play three games with the first team as a public relations exercise.
“He could be the best player in the world, but I don’t care because he was not a player who I asked for. That signing was to do with PR.”
Ancelotti very quickly got a flash of Odegaard up close this past season in Everton’s 1-0 triumph over Arsenal at the Emirates, with the midfielder coming off as a substitute for a short cameo but he was unable to spark a turnaround.
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Carlo Ancelotti makes decision over Arsenal loanee Martin Odegaard’s future.
