When Martin Odegaard joined Arsenal in the January transfer window, the idea was to boost a top four push.
Whilst the Gunners were off the pace, there were high hopes of a turnaround to mount a challenge to return to the Champions League.
After an initial boost from the Norwegian, those hopes have vanished in thin air and Europa League failure against Villarreal was the icing on the cake.
Despite the capitulation of many around him, Odegaard has left a positive imprint on Arsenal and has plenty of admirers.
Mikel Arteta has regularly praised his contributions and intelligence off the ball as part of their high-press, whilst he has been a bright spark on the ball in some dismal performances.
It has widely been reported that the Gunners would be keen to try and keep Odegaard permanently - but the truth is that those hopes have dwindled significantly in the past few days.
Arsenal’s Europa League elimination leaves them facing their first season without European football in 25 years.
For Odegaard, that is likely to seriously reduce the appeal of making a permanent move as the Gunners face the fact that they are a million miles away from where they want to be.
If he was sold by Arteta’s project in January, then it is hard to imagine he is still sold by the prospect of committing to a club out of Europe and in turmoil.
From Arsenal’s standpoint, Real Madrid have made it clear there is a reluctance to sell, and any deal would cost a hefty fee.
Without the financial rewards of playing in Europe, and with a hefty wage bill already, it may be that Odegaard does not even have a choice about extending his stay in north London.
Real Madrid’s situation is, to an extent, equally uncertain.
There has been growing pressure on Zinedine Zidane after Champions League elimination at the hands of Chelsea.
Whisperings of Zidane leaving the club this summer have grown louder by the day, and that could leave Odegaard’s future lying at the Bernabeu for the time being.
The Norwegian has failed to see eye to eye with Zidane, whilst the Real hierarchy have been keen to see Odegaard given a bigger role in their future after winning the race for his signature when he was a teenager.
If Zidane does depart, then it is almost certain Odegaard would be considered a key part of Real Madrid’s plans going forwards under a new manager.
Zidane, however, could stay put leaving Odegaard in a tricky situation.
He demanded a January loan exit in search of greater playing time against Zidane’s wishes and does not seem keen on a future under the Frenchman.
Whilst Arsenal have struggled, Odegaard’s Premier League performances will likely do his case no harm if he seeks another move.
After taking on Liverpool last month, Odegaard was seen having a private chat with Jurgen Klopp at full-time.
It was later reported by AS that he could be ‘tempted’ by a move to Liverpool, a club who tried to sign him before he went to Real Madrid.
Speaking when he was a 15-year-old catching the eye of various big clubs, Odegaard said: “Liverpool have always been my dream club.”
He is now facing up to the fact his brief Arsenal career looks almost certain to come to an end this summer.
With his future at Real Madrid also uncertain that Liverpool temptation could come into play if Klopp decides he could add an extra dimension to his Reds attack.
.jpg?w=600)
