Arsenal in Martin Odegaard transfer blow with Real Madrid set to keep midfielder after Toni Kroos injury

ARSENAL’S plan to sign ex-loanee and Real Madrid star Martin Odegaard has been thrown in doubt after his team-mate Toni Kroos’ injury this week.

Kroos looks likely to miss out on Madrid’s start of the season after being diagnosed with Pubalgia.

The German’s absence means Los Blancos will need cover for him which likely means Odegaard will be staying put at the Bernabeu for now, according to AS.

AS claim that Madrid will keep hold of all their senior midfielders to avoid a repeat of last season when they had to turn to their academy stars to fill their midfield positions.

This includes Norwegian Odegaard who spent the last part of the previous Premier League campaign at the Emirates.

After a successful spell in North London where he made 14 appearances and chipped in with a goal, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was keen to sign the 22-year-old in a similar deal this season.

During his short spell with the Gunners, the Norwegian had already built a bond with the Gooners faithful.

He expressed his appreciation to the fans and club for their support after his loan had expired.

He said: “Arsenal, Thank you so much for these 6 months.

“My time with the Arsenal family will always hold a special place in my heart.

“I wanna [sic] thank everyone in and around the club for the way you made me feel like a part of the family since the first day.

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“Special thanks to the fans, even without you guys at the stadium for the majority of the season, I felt you with me at all times.”

Before Kroos’ injury, Madrid were said to be open to letting Odegaard leave.

Although the midfielder is said to have a future at the club, they wouldn’t ruled out his exit if the player wants to leave and their valuation was met.

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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk