Arsenal transfer decision over 23 years old international captain finally paying dividends

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Martin Ødegaard’s form has reminded us why Real Madrid payed a €2.80m for a 16 years old from Norway back in 2015. His quality is clear of his age, which earned him a first International cap at just age 15.

(Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)

Unfortunately, he was not afforded enough chance to break into the Galactico's team which prompted his several loan moves to Eredivisie for three years before coming back to the la liga and joining Real Sociedad in 2019, where he really caught the eye with his prowess.

He returned to his parent club, Real Madrid in 2020 which his [then] head coach, Zinedine Zidane was not convinced enough to give him a proper go in the team. He joined Arsenal on loan in January due to lack of playing time at Real [Madrid].

The Norwegian came in and immediately improved a team that was abysmal for the first half of the campaign. [He] alongside the club's academy graduates, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka, brought vibrancy to Arsenal’s attack that had been lacking with Mesut Ozil out of the team.

During the [summer] transfer, it was no doubt that Arsenal needed a playmaker which leave them with the quality option of Leicester City’s James Maddison, Jack Grealish from Aston Villa and him [Ødegaard]. In which they could only secure the service of the Norway captain for a very lesser price compared to the two Englishmen.

(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

His early months after his [permanent] transfer were not so rosy due to injuries and inconsistent performances of the team. However, he has been terrific after regaining his starting spot during late last year earning himself a premier league POTM nomination. 

Arsenal decision to choose him, as he has bettered the other two summer targets performance despite his early woe is finally paying dividends. He has been touted as their potential captain, if Alexandre Lacazzette leaves in the summer, just a year after joining the club.

Ødegaard is a classy player who has come a long way since his arrival.

Author: Muhammad A. AHMAD

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