Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Martin Odegaard after Real Madrid told the Norwegian to report for pre-season training next month.
Odegaard spent the second half of last season on loan at Arsenal and impressed so much that the club want to sign him permanently this summer.
That looked possible prior to the departure of Zinedine Zidane from Real Madrid, but now Carlo Ancelotti has been appointed, Arsenal’s chances of completing a deal have taken a hit.
Odegaard has been told by Real Madrid they want him to report for pre-season training as he could have a role to play in 2021/22.
“The status is that I am a Madrid player and that I will return and start up there in a week-and-a-half,” Odegaard told Norwegian broadcaster TV 2 on Wednesday night.
“Real Madrid have been clear that they would like me back. So, then it will be time to go there when the training starts up again.
“Of course, it has always been a dream to play there. I have been in the club for over six years now, and that has always been the goal.”
However, Odegaard has not had talks with Ancelotti about where the Italian sees him fitting in next season.
“No, not with him personally, but I have talked a lot with the club and had a close dialogue,” he said. “So, I feel they have a good overview.”
As Odegaard has often stressed, the 22-year-old is keen to get regular football next season and that will be key to any decision he makes over his future.
“I always want to play, I have said that all the time,” he said.
A deal to take Odegaard to Arsenal is not completely dead as Real Madrid also told Dani Ceballos to report to pre-season training last summer, before eventually loaning him to the Gunners once again.
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