MARTIN ODEGAARD has reportedly been named as one of four young ‘untouchables’ at Real Madrid, in a blow to Arsenal’s chances of signing him.
The Norwegian has impressed during his temporary stint in North London, even bagging a memorable derby goal against Spurs last month.
Hopes have been raised among the Gunners’ fanbase that the attacking midfielder can be retained for next season.
But according to Marca, Odegaard won’t be going anywhere.
The Spanish paper report that the 22-year-old is one of four young ‘untouchables’ that the Madrid hierarchy want to build around.
Odegaard dazzled last season during the first year of what was supposed to be a two-season stay at Real Sociedad.
But he returned to Madrid last summer after being recalled by boss Zinedine Zidane – only to spend the first half of this season on the bench.
Odegaard was unhappy with the situation, and isn’t believed to have a good relationship with Zizou.
But such is the Madrid board’s faith in Odegaard, that the issue has become a major consideration in Zidane’s future at the club.
Odegaard’s contract in Spain is set to expire in 2023, and a board-led renewal appears likely.
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The three other untouchables are Rodrygo, Fede Valverde and Vinicius Jr, despite the latter having been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain as a makeweight in a deal for Kylian Mbappe.
While Madrid’s interest in Mbappe is genuine, Vinicius will NOT be headed to France in return.
The reigning LaLiga champions are also interested in Borussia Dortmund starlet Erling Haaland, while Marca believe a deal for Bayern stalwart David Alaba is ‘already done’.
Thibaut Courtois, Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos are seen as indispensable, although plenty of others will be up for sale.
Chief among them is £600,000-a-week star Gareth Bale, who has spent this year on a mixed loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur.
The Welshman is set to return to Santiago Bernabeu, with a year remaining on his lucrative deal.
Other long-serving stars Isco and Marcelo will also be shown the door.
While Alvaro Odriozola, Mariano Diaz and Luka Jovic are free to find new clubs.
Contract extension talks with Sergio Ramos, whose current deal expires in June, are still at a standstill.
While an agreement is still some way off with injured Lucas Vazquez.
Raphael Varane’s deal ends in 2022 and Real Madrid suspect that he won’t sign another – which could make him available for £60million in the summer.
Pau Torres and Jules Kounde would be contenders to replace the Frenchman, 28, at the back for Los Blancos.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
