MARTIN ODEGAARD has reportedly completed his medical at Arsenal and will be announced as a Gunner imminently.
The Real Madrid playmaker, 22, successfully completed his examination ahead of his loan move to the Emirates.
Martin Odegaard is understood to have passed his medical at ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
As reported by the Evening Standard, the Norwegian’s move is expected to be confirmed today.
Arsenal are expected to pay around £1.8million in a loan fee and pick up his £38,000-a-week wages.
That will place him 23rd in the squad for highest-paid players at Arsenal – below calamity goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson.
But former Highbury hero Alan Smith is worried he may turn out to be another flop in the same way Denis Suarez was in 2019.
The Spaniard arrived at the Emirates from Barcelona two years ago but made just six substitute appearances, failing to register any goals or assists before getting injured.
Speaking about Odegaard, Smith told Stadium Astro: “He’s had his problems developing at Real Madrid and the last thing Arsenal want is to get somebody in who can’t offer anything.
“You think back to Denis Suarez who came to the club and physically he just wasn’t ready and then he picked up injuries.
“It was a bit of an embarrassment in the end, so hopefully they will do their homework on Odegaard.
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“He’s a young player that went to Real Madrid, and so much is expected of him, and as so often happens it doesn’t quite materialise like that.”
Despite passing his medical already, Odegaard will not join in time to be registered to face Southampton tonight.
The Gunners head back to St Mary’s three days after their FA Cup exit there.
And Mikel Arteta will be without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang once again due to family reasons.
Dani Ceballos and Pablo Mari are both out while left-back Kieran Tierney is a doubt because of a right calf strain.
However, once Odegaard is available for selection, Mikel Arteta will be desperate he hits the ground running.
The Spaniard is likely to use him in his favoured No10 role as he battles with in-form Emile Smith Rowe for a spot in the side.
However, as he demonstrated last season, Odegaard is perfectly capable operating on the right and drifting in on to his left foot to spray passes and unlock defences.
Martin Odegaard shows off his skills at Real Madrid training
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
