Mikel Arteta wants to maximise Martin Odegaard's potential at Arsenal before sitting down to discuss whether a permanent deal is possible.
The playmaker made a loan move to the Emirates in January as the Gunners sought more creativity in the final third.
He had struggled for regular minutes at Real Madrid having previously been sent out on loan.
Odegaard's potential has long been recognised, underlined by Madrid's decision to sign him as a 15-year-old.
But the Norwegian is yet to produce his best football on the biggest stage, but has made a positive start to life at Arsenal.
Already a permanent move is being touted, but Arteta insists the decision does not solely rest with them as he outlines the pathway to a possible switch.
“We have Martin for a few months from Real Madrid and first of all we have to maximise this time with him to try to bring to the team all the qualities he has,” Arteta said.
“At the end of the season we will sit together and decide where we can take that relationship forward. At the moment it doesn’t just depend on us.”
Odegaard has added to the flair already in the Arsenal team.
Youngsters Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka have both continued their development and have become pivotal cogs.
Arteta recently praised the 22-year-old for possessing leadership qualities as he grows in stature.
“On the pitch he is showing a lot of character and a lot of intelligence,” he said. “They are characteristics that a leader should have.
“He has been here a very short time but he has adapted very quickly.
"He is getting more and more respect from the players and the staff and his weight on the team will increase with every week.”
