Charles Watts doesn’t seem to think Arsenal are likely to be in the market for Real Madrid’s Martin Ødegaard this window.
Having once been anointed as one of Europe’s potential future stars, even being compared to Lionel Messi when he was signing for Real Madrid back in 2015. However, things haven’t quite worked out for him in Madrid, only making 11 appearances since signing for them. Spanish outlet Marca is reporting that he has handed in a transfer request, potentially signalling an end to his time at the club.
Arsenal were reportedly interested in bringing him in back in 2019, though amid reports (via Football.london) ‘tentatively’ linking Mikel Arteta with a swoop for the 22-year-old, speaking on the latest edition of his show, Watts doubts that the club are going to be making an offer for him this time around.
He said: “You know, if he came, that’d be fantastic. But I’ve had no information suggesting that Arsenal are in for Martin Ødegaard. I would imagine if he does go out on loan or Real Madrid do allow him to do that, then Real Sociedad would be desperate to bring him back there. Whether Madrid would want to send him there, because Sociedad are having a good season, remains to be seen.
“I’m not sure if that’s going to happen.”
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TIF Thoughts on Watts’ Odegaard claim…
Watts’ words should be seen as a good thing for Arsenal fans, because right now isn’t really the time to be taking swings and hoping that players work out, they need to be looking for players who are proven in the Premier League if they are to climb up the Premier League table.
Whether that be an emerging talent in the form of Emile Smith Rowe, or going out and buying someone like Emi Buendía who they have recently been linked with who has produced at Premier League level.
For them to go after someone like Ødegaard who, whilst having a respectable career hasn’t quite lived up to the hype would just be too big of a risk.