Here are your Arsenal evening headlines for Friday, January 22nd.
Odegaard close to loan
Arsenal are closing in on the signature of Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid, who will join on loan until the end of the season.
The Gunners are set to beat Real Sociedad in the hunt for the Norway international, who ticks another box off Mikel Arteta's January shopping list following the loan arrival of goalkeeper Mat Ryan from Brighton to operate as Bernd Leno's No2.
Gunners technical director Edu had spoken with Odegaard's father Hans and agent Bjorn Tore Kvarme, while on-loan midfielder Dani Ceballos had also helped convinced the Norwegian to pick Arsenal over Real Sociedad, where he spent part of last season on loan.
Further exits necessary
Arsenal are set for a busy end to the transfer window as Mikel Arteta needs to complete outgoing business in his squad.
The signing of goalkeeper Mat Ryan on loan from Brighton has put the Gunners' quota of non-homegrown players back to the maximum amount of 17, leaving no room for the signing of Odegaard.
An exit is therefore required and, with Arsenal also eyeing a left-back, another departure on top of that could also be necessary if Arteta is looking to land a non-homegrown full-back.
Norway boss talks up Odegaard loan
Norway manager Stale Solbakken has backed Martin Odegaard to succeed during his loan spell with Arsenal.
Odegaard should add greater creativity to Arsenal's midfield and help ease the load on breakout star Emile Smith Rowe.
"I think the way Arsenal play can fit him very well. They play different formations and a kind of football that should suit him," Solbakken said.
"He can also play in different roles in the midfield depending on which formation Arteta chooses. He will also get runs in front of him so that he can make assists and be a good team player."
