Adaptation And Impact For Arsenal To Be Key To Odegaard's Future In London

Martin Odegaard (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he could extend the midfielder Martin Odegaard if he adapted well to the Premier League. However, this decision depends on the player and Real Madrid.

Odegaard, who has only a starter three times in Madrid in La Liga, joined Arsenal until the end of this season.

The 22-year-old player has all the qualities and characteristics that Arsenal is looking for, but any possibility that could make extend his contract at Emirates will depend on two things, said Arteta.

"First, how well he is adapting here and how much impact he can have on our team", said Arteta as quoted by Reuters on Friday, January 29.

"Second, what The Real and the players think about this because he belongs to Madrid and the player also has a big part in that".

Odegaard, who made his debut for the Norwegian national team at the age of 15, joined Los Blancos at the age of 16 in 2015 but was unable to make it into the first team and spent time on contract at Dutch clubs Heerenveen and Vitesse Arnhem.

Prior to joining Arsenal, he was rumored to be moving to Real Sociedad, which he played for last season for helping the team to finish sixth and qualify for the Europa League.

"I think in the last few seasons he has changed and developed in the right way. I am watching him closely because he played for Real Sociedad which is my hometown", added Arteta.

"I know him very well. I am very impressed. He has an extraordinary talent".

Arteta said Odegaard was still trying to get fit and so doubted he could play in the league match against Manchester United on Sunday the day after tomorrow.