It has been a relatively quiet transfer window so far for Arsenal but Mikel Arteta has his eyes on the market for new additions before the month draws to a close.
The Gunners' inconsistent results this season have been a significant issue and one area of improvement is the need for a creative boost in midfield.
Mesut Ozil's imminent move to Fenerbache will bring an end to the German World Cup winner's exile in north London and, while he hasn't featured post-lockdown last year, his departure highlights the need for an addition in this area.
Emile Smith-Rowe's recent performances have provided plenty of encouragement but options beneath the 20-year-old are pretty slim, so Arteta may welcome the unexpected boost he has received.
According to numerous reports in Spain, Martin Odegaard has told Real Madrid he wants to leave the club on loan this month in order to seek more regular playing opportunities.
The 22-year-old excelled last season on loan with Real Sociedad, which led him to remain with Zinedine Zidane's squad for the current season, but it has resulted in just 233 minutes of league action this season - only five of which have come since the start of December.
A door may now have been opened for Odegaard to leave once again and Arsenal have been tentatively linked with a swoop for the Norway international since his impressive stint in the Basque county last year.
A return to Sociedad will immediately be seen as the most likely option for Odegaard but an emergence of Premier League interest would not be a surprise.
Arsenal do, of course, have ties with Real Madrid due to Dani Ceballos spell on north London, where he is currently in his second season with the Gunners.
Once regarded as the most exciting prospect in world football, Odegaard signed for Los Blancos in 2015 at the age of just 17.
