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Watch: Arsenal confirm Odegaard’s £30m move and reveal shirt number in welcome video

By on August 20, 2021

martin Odegaard arsenal new

Arsenal have announced the signing of Martin Odegaard with the midfielder arriving on a permanent deal from Real Madrid.

Mikel Arteta has been chasing a creative midfielder all summer and Odegaard was reportedly his prime target as the boss was desperate to bring him back to the Emirates Stadium following his successful loan spell last season.

It initially looked like the 22-year-old may stay at Madrid so Arsenal were linked with the likes of James Maddison and Houssem Aouar but it soon became clear that Odegaard wasn’t in Carlo Ancelotti’s first team plans.

The Norwegian international was left out of Real Madrid’s squad for their first game of the season and wasn’t even handed a shirt number so Arsenal took their opportunity to open negotiations over a deal to sign the midfielder.

News broke on Tuesday that a deal had been agreed between the two clubs and Odegaard flew in to UK to undergo his medical at London Colney and finalise his return to north London.

Arsenal have announced on Arsenal.com this morning that Odegaard has completed his move to the club on a permanent basis with the player reportedly signing a five year contract.

New No.8

It’s also been confirmed that Odegaard will wear the No.8 shirt this season but unfortunately he won’t be available to face Chelsea on Sunday as the club is still sorting out his work visa.

Arsenal announced the move on Twitter via a classy welcome video, which you can watch here:

Sky Sports are one of several media outlets claiming that Arsenal have paid an initial £30m to Madrid for Odegaard’s signature with a further £4m due in potential add ons.

That is an excellent piece of business by the club as Odegaard is a hugely talented player who’s still only 22. He has lots of experience already for his age [he captains Norway!] and has the potential to develop into a world class player.

It’s also a big bonus that he knows Arsenal and the Premier League already so he won’t need any time to settle. Once he gets is visa, he’ll be ready to hit the ground running, which is exactly what we need right now.

Odegaard becomes Arsenal’s fourth major signing of the summer following the arrivals of Nuno Tavares, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Ben White while Aaron Ramsdale is set to join from Sheffield United.