Arsenal have been dealt a transfer blow after Martin Odegaard confirmed he is staying at Real Madrid this summer.

Odegaard only spent the second half of last season on loan at Arsenal but made an instant impression at the Emirates, the north London side left keen to extend the stay of the Norway international as Mikel Arteta seeks to add creativity to his midfield options.

The 22-year-old signed for the Spanish giants six years ago but has struggled for opportunities in the seasons since, spending loan spells at the likes of Heerenveen, Vitesse and Real Sociedad before his move to Arsenal last winter.

Following his impressive spell in the Premier League, Odegaard is now confident he will finally be handed his chance at the Bernabeu under new manager Carlo Ancelotti after talks with the club’s hierarchy.

“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,” he told Norwegian TV station, TV 2.

“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.

“I always want to play, I have said that all the time. Playing hard is important.”

When asked if he had enjoyed any contact with Ancelotti since his return as boss, Odegaard explained: “No, not with him personally, but I have spoken a lot with the club and had a close contact. So I feel they have a good overview.”

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