OFFICIAL: Arsenal Complete The Permanent Signing Of Martin Odegaard From Real Madrid.

Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid for a transfer fee of £30m plus add-ons. 

The Norwegian international arrived London yesterday to undergo a medical, after a deal was agreed by both Arsenal and Real Madrid. He’ll wear the No.8 shirt for the Gunners.

Odegaard re-joins after spending the second half of last season on loan with the north London club, during which time he made 20 appearances, notably scoring in our Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium in March.

The 22-year-old signed a five-year deal with the Arsenal, which will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until June 2026.

Speaking on the transfer, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: 

"A lot of things that he brought last season. He made us better, we needed more options and alternatives for creativity.

"He is still a really young man but he has huge experiences in clubs already and has unique talents for the way we want to play so I am really pleased the club have made the effort."

Odegaard began his professional career in 2014 as teenager (age 15) for Norwegian side Stromsgodset.

He became Real Madrid youngest ever player when he moved to the Spanish side  in 2015. He also achieved the same feat for his country Norway.

However, he struggled for first-team football at Real under Zinedine Zidane, and was sent on loan to Heerenveen, Vitesse and Real Sociedad before joining Arsenal.

During his six years at Real Madrid, Odegaard made just 11 appearances first team appearances, and he is also currently not part of new manager Carlo Ancelotti's plans this season.

The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes and visa requirements.  Martin will not be available for Sunday’s London derby match with Chelsea, as he await visa clearance before he will be available for selection.