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Football London
Football London
Sport
David Byrom

Martin Odegaard delivers Arsenal update amid Real Madrid transfer decision

Martin Odegaard says he is loving life at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.

The attacking midfielder joined the Gunners on loan from Real Madrid in January and has so far made 14 appearances in all competitions.

Speaking to Arsenal's website over what attracted him to the club, the 22-year-old said Arteta's philosophy was a big part of why he opted to make the move.

He said: "I think the most important thing was how the club and how the manager wants to play and the style.

"As I've said many times, I always enjoyed the way Arsenal play football and now especially after Mikel took over, this style suits me really well.

"That was more important than the dream of playing in the Premier League.

"The most important thing was the club, the style and everything around."

He added: "I'm having a good time, the manager is great and the team is good.

"So many good players and the way we play suits me really well.

"I think I'm adapting pretty good to the league and the style so I'm happy."

Odegaard has been regularly sent out on loan since moving to Real Madrid as a teenager from Stomsgodset and he believes every loan move he has had has helped him.

He said: "I think when I first went to Heerenveen, it was after three years in Madrid.

"I didn't play with the first-team in Madrid and playing for the second team was good, but then after a certain time, I think it was not good enough h for my development.

"That's why I decided I wanted to go somewhere else to get some playing time in a better league.

"I feel that's maybe the place where I grew up as a person."

He added: "Then, when I went to Vitesse the year after, I feel like I took another step in terms of performance on the pitch.

"I started to be more decisive, scoring my goals, giving more assists and that was another step.

"I think I had a good season there so I think my loan spells were really important and crucial to keep developing."

Odegaard's latest update on his happiness at the Emirates Stadium comes amid reports that Real Madrid will not entertain selling the midfielder this summer.

According to Spanish publication AS, Zinedine Zidane's side believe the Norway star can become one of the world's top midfielders, and will rebuff all attempts from clubs to sign the 22-year-old.

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