Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed when a decision will be made regarding Martin Odegaard's future.
The attacking midfielder is on loan with the Gunners from La Liga giants Real Madrid until the end of the season and has impressed supporters with his performances on his first two starts for the club.
An impressive outing in the 4-2 win over Leeds United last weekend - Odegaard's full Premier League debut - was followed up with a classy display in the 1-1 draw with Benfica in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Despite not getting on the scoresheet, the Norway international caught the eye with a 'pre-assist' for Bukayo Saka's equaliser in the round of 32 first-leg clash.
As reported by football.london earlier in the week, the 22-year-old is enjoying life in north London so far and has already settled in quickly to Arteta 's training methods at London Colney.
And the Arsenal boss has revealed that talks over whether Odegaard will remain at the Emirates past this season will take place once the campaign is over.
"He is a young leader," Arteta said as quoted by Sky Sports. "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.
"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.
"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."
In a boost for Arsenal and Arteta, Odegaard has refused to rule out a permanent move to the Emirates Stadium.
"You never know what happens, but first of all my focus is about the rest of the season," he said. "Hopefully (I will) help the team, and then we’ll see what happens."
However, to Arteta's point, Odegaard's future doesn't just depend on Arsenal as his parent club will have the final say.
And amid Defensa Central state reporting that Odegaard's comments about a permanent transfer have frustrated Real Madrid, their stance has been revealed.
According to the report, Odegaard is regarded as part of their future and Los Blancos are said to not be interested in a sale at the end of the season.
