Arsenal's number one target Martin Odegaard is set for contract talks with Real Madrid this summer.
The Norwegian enjoyed a successful loan spell in North London, registering 66 shot-creating actions across 20 games with the Gunners after joining in January.
Mikel Arteta is looking to sign a creative midfielder this summer and football.london understands that Odegaard is his first-choice after his short stint at the Emirates last term.
Odegaard was impressed with the Spaniard's project and is said to be open to making the loan move a permanent one in the coming months.
However, Carlo Ancelotti has replaced Zinedine Zidane as los Blancos manager, a decision that looks to have had major impacts on Odegaard's future in the Spanish capital.
Zidane was one of the reasons that Odegaard was allowed to leave on loan with the Frenchman failing to give the tricky midfielder consistent minutes at the Bernabeu before he came to England.
Ancelotti is expected to give the Norway captain a chance and Real Madrid are now hoping to tie Odegaard down to a new contract, according to DefensaCentral.
Still, it is no guarantee that a permanent move for Odegaard is no longer on the cards, especially given his comments on the situation last month.
“I am happy here at Arsenal, we will see after the season what will happen," Odegaard told Sky Germany.
"I’m owned by Real Madrid, so we have to speak to them. It’s important to understand what they want."
