Arsenal have been handed what could potentially be a final blow in their pursuit of Martin Odegaard.
The Norwegian spent last season on loan at the Emirates Stadium and impressed Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta enough for the Gunners to pursue an extended deal.
football.london understands that one of Arsenal's priorities is to sign a creative midfielder in the transfer window, while the early hope was that Odegaard could well be that man.
So far, progress has not been made on any deal to see him return to north London, instead, Odegaard has been playing a full part in Real Madrid’s preparations for the 2021/22 campaign having netted on his first appearance back in Spain.
Now, reports have suggested that the Norwegian is set to be handed a more prominent role in the Los Blancos set-up, potentially putting paid to any hopes Arsenal had on securing his signature on a permanent basis.
According to Spanish outlet AS, new Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti sees Odegaard as a new signing.
It is also revealed that the two held talks following the Italian’s return to the club, where the Norwegian was assured that he would be afforded more minutes with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos potentially needing much more back-up next season in their advancing years.
Even just a slight inclusion would see Odegaard handed more opportunities compared to his time under Ancelotti’s predecessor, Zinedine Zidane.
The 22-year-old made just 10 appearances under the Frenchman, the vast majority of those coming during the 2020/21 campaign. Just three of those were starts, however, before Odegaard joined Arsenal on loan for the rest of the season.
He made 20 appearances in all competitions during his spell in north London, netting twice. Mikel Arteta had previously admitted that the Gunners would be attempting to bring Odegaard back for a second spell.
Speaking in May, the Spaniard said: “We have a very clear and strong opinion on what we would like to do.
"He is not our player. We will have discussions in the next few weeks. And respect first of all because he’s a Real Madrid player, and we will have those communications.”
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