Manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that he tried to sign Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard before moving to Real Madrid.
The Norway international moved to Real Madrid from Stromsgossett in 2015, but never settled at the Bernabéu, making just 11 appearances in all competitions.
Arsene Wenger: “We fought like crazy to get him”
Odegaard has spent four loan spells at various clubs, including Arsenal, with the Gunners converting a six-month loan spell into a permanent move in 2021.
The midfielder has now become a key part of Mikel Arteta's side, with Arsenal going from strength to strength under the Spaniard.
Odegaard has scored six goals and provided six assists in 26 Premier League appearances this season, and manager Wenger revealed he tried to sign him during his long stay at Arsenal.
Speaking to Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg, Wenger said:
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“We fought like crazy to get him. I took him into training sessions and I remember Steve Morrow taking him to training with his dad. .
“He reminded me of Fabregas: great vision, good technical quality, easy relationship with professional players in the first team.
“We might see something special there, but in the end he chose to go to Real Madrid.”
Odegaard is currently one of the Premier League's best creative midfielders and signed a new contract last year that will keep him at Arsenal until at least the summer of 2027.
The Norwegian said at the time: “Signing a new contract was a very easy decision for me for a number of reasons.
“Mainly, what we're doing as a club right now is something special and I want to be a part of it. I'm really looking forward to what's to come. I'm really looking forward to settling down and calling it home. Found the place.
“My story might be a little different because I've been at different clubs since I was 16. I felt great from day one at Arsenal and now it's definitely my home.”
“I would like to thank everyone who works at the club and of course our wonderful supporters. I will continue to do everything I can to bring success to this club.”
Mikel Arteta: “This is the most beautiful time of the season”
With nine games left in the quest for the Premier League title, manager Arteta is preparing his players for “the most beautiful period of the season”.
Asked if Arsenal needed a 100 per cent record from now on to finish top of the table, Arteta said:
“If you look at the level and consistency of other teams and what it takes historically to win in this league, it won't be that far off.
“This is where we want to be and we want to take this opportunity now to make it happen.
“We worked every day with enthusiasm and passion to make it happen and enjoyed every moment of it.
“I see the team really flowing and really excited to play each game. That's what's got to drive them all the way through this journey.”
“I'm full of energy and it's the most beautiful time of the season.”
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