Liverpool star Sadio Mane has approved Arsenal’s transfer alternative if they cannot land Martin Odegaard permanently.
The Gunners are keen to tie up a long-term deal for Real Madrid playmaker Odegaard, but it is not known whether Los Blancos want to let him leave for good.
The Norwegian has impressed so far, and has already become a trusted member of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
But should they fail to reach an agreement for Odegaard, Nabil Fekir is understood to be a back up option.
The Real Betis and France man has been one of the best attacking-midfielders in La Liga for years.
And when Liverpool were linked with the 27-year-old, Mane admitted that he was excited by the prospect of the Reds signing him.
"He is a top player, we would be happy seeing him with us," Mane told SFR Sport in 2018, as per the Liverpool Echo. "If he comes he'll do great things with us.
"Yes, it will be like fire if he comes."
Meanwhile, Odegaard has reportedly told his friends that he wants to join Arsenal permanently.
He has previously revealed he feels "at home" at Arsenal and according to football.london has since informed his close friends that he'd like to remain at the Emirates beyond this season.
Real Madrid are yet to put a price tag on the Norway captain's head and it's not yet clear whether they will.
According to Goal, they have agreed with Arsenal to wait until the end of the season before getting down to business and revealing whether they're prepared to sell.
Odegaard has made no secret of the fact that he enjoys working under Arteta.
He said of his boss: “Amazing! He is a really, really good coach, really intelligent, [knows] all the details in the game.
"He's a master of seeing the details. And the way he's coaching us and helping us to achieve things, we're lucky to have him.
"So many things to learn [from him], and as I said, about the details, that's something I really like and I find it interesting. So, yeah, it's very nice to have him as a coach."
