Arsenal are determined to get Martin Odegaard in as quickly as possible so that he can be ready to play against Chelsea this weekend.
It comes after Real Madrid accepted a fee for the Norway international in the region of around £30m in a huge plus for Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard has been desperate to sign the 22-year-old on a permanent basis after an impressive loan stint last season.
After bringing in Odegaard in January, the playmaker fitted in ideally with how Arteta wants to play football at the Emirates.
Selling Joe Willock to Newcastle gave Arsenal the funds to finally snap up the former Real Sociedad star.
The player has already agreed personal terms with the Gunners and is keen to reunite with the squad.
Real Madrid could not promise him a starting position whereas, in north London, he is a key player.
Carlo Ancelotti initially was keen to see what Odegaard could bring to the team but their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe means that they have had to sell off several fringe players to bolster their funds.
But how could Arsenal line up with Norwegian in the team?
The most successful periods of play that have got the best out of the ex-Stromgodset ace is when he is in his natural position at No. 10.
That means using a 4-2-3-1 formation with Odegaard allowed to run the game behind the striker, flanked by two wingers and in front of two more industrious midfielders.
It is how Arsenal beat Tottenham with ease last season in March where the loanee got on the scoresheet in a 2-1 result.
Just days before, he was used in the same position against Olympiakos in the Europa League which saw the emerge 3-1 winners.
Again, Odegaard got on the scoresheet as he put together some decent form for the Gunners.
With Chelsea set to visit the Emirates this Sunday, Arteta is in need of a response after a shock 2-0 loss to Brentford in their Premier League opener.
As the Blues play three at the back, Arsenal could opt to match them in that department but keep Odegaard where he belongs in a No. 10 role.
Utilising a 3-4-1-2 formation, it would mean that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette's availability would be pivotal to partner each other up front with Odegaard behind.
Where should Odegaard play against Chelsea? Comment below
While quality wing-backs will need to play well to cope with Chelsea's own players in those positions, so maybe it could be too early to go with such a system.
However, if it is three at the back Arteta wants, he could field a 3-4-3 with Odegaard as an attacking midfielder deeper or use him in a more wide position, potentially on the right-hand side to make the most of his dangerous left foot.
Whatever the Arsenal boss decides to do - the first battle is to get all the paperwork signed as soon as possible or the club's new signing will not be taking part at all.
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