Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid to finally hand Mikel Arteta his priority attacking midfield target.
Odegaard, 22, has joined the Gunners on a permanent transfer after an impressive short-term loan at the Emirates in the second half of last season.
The initial fee for the Norway international is believed to be in the region of £30million with a further £4million in add-ons.
Arteta had hoped he would have Odegaard available to face Chelsea in Sunday's blockbuster Premier League clash, but a statement on Arsenal's website announcing the signing confirmed he will not feature while he awaits visa clearance.
"The Norwegian international re-joins after spending the second half of last season on loan with us, during which time he made 20 appearances, notably scoring in our Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium in March," reads the statement.
"The 22 year-old started his career in Norway with Stromsgodset, where he made his debut as a 15 year-old in April 2014, becoming the youngest-ever player to feature in Norway’s top division. He was signed by Real Madrid in January 2015 and subsequently became their youngest player in May 2015.
"In the three seasons from 2017/18, Martin spent loan spells with Heerenveen and Vitesse Arnhem in the Netherlands and then back in Spain with Real Sociedad in 2019/20, where he helped the club reach the final of the Copa Del Rey.
"The attacking midfielder has also made 30 appearances for Norway, making his debut in August 2014, becoming the youngest player to represent his country’s senior national team at the age of just 15 years and 253 days.
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"Martin will wear our number 8 shirt.
"Everyone at Arsenal welcomes Martin back to the club.
"The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes and visa requirements. Martin will not be available for Sunday’s match with Chelsea, and we await visa clearance before he will be available for selection."
While Odegaard is unavailable for the London derby against the Blues, he could be available to face West Brom in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday or Manchester City in the Premier League next Saturday.
Odegaard is Arsenal's fourth first-team signing of the summer and takes their spending to north of £100million.
Centre-back Ben White, midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga and full-back Nuno Tavares have already moved to the Emirates.
But Arteta was desparate to add another face in an attacking role and will hope Odegaard can pick up where he left off in north London.
The Gunners are also close to completing the signing of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United, while they are also reportedly pursuing a striker.
