The Martin Odegaard transfer saga continues to rumble on as Arsenal attempt to convince Real Madrid to sell.
Odegaard has enjoyed an impressive spell on loan with the Gunners, joining late in the January transfer window, and he has quickly convinced his loan club to pursue a permanent deal.
Mikel Arteta and Edu have already decided they would like to keep the Norwegian permanently, but they face an uphill task to convince Real Madrid.
There was hope that Los Blancos would sell Odegaard for a fraction of his £301million release clause amid financial issues that could make it difficult for the Spanish giants to spend big on new recruits this summer.
But according to Marca, Arsenal have been dealt a fresh setback, and perhaps maybe even a decisive one with Odegaard listed as one of Real Madrid's 'untouchables' ahead of this summer.
It's claimed the midfielder, along with Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy and Fede Valverde are the players Real Madrid won't consider selling and the four stars who will become the core of the club's strategy in the coming years.
That could put an end to Arsenal's hopes of landing Odegaard, particularly given his release clause makes it impossible for any club to sign him unless Real Madrid wanted to facilitate a sale.
The Gunners could now be made to look elsewhere with West Ham loanee and Manchester United star Jesse Lingard mentioned as one of the possible alternatives.
Arsenal have also regularly been linked with Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, but his value continues to rise amid good form in Ligue 1, potentially forcing Arteta and Edu to look elsewhere.
