LONDON (AP) – Arsenal completed the signing of midfielder Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid on Friday.
The 22-year-old Norwegian national team was on loan for the second half of last season and is returning with a long-term contract after Arsenal paid a reported fee of 35 million euros ($ 41 million).
“You have seen the numbers and what we achieved after Christmas when Martin was in the team … the club performed at a completely different level,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. “It made us better, we needed more options, alternatives, creativity. He has a unique talent for the way we want to play. “
Odegaard scored two goals in 20 games for the North London side last season. The club did not disclose details of the agreement, but according to reports it is a five-year contract.
Real Madrid had signed Odegaard as a teenager and sent him to various teams on loan deals, including Dutch Vitesse de Arnhem and Spanish Real Sociedad before Arsenal.
Odegaard will not be available for Sunday’s game against Chelsea. Arsenal kicked off the new Premier League season with a 2-0 defeat at Brentford.
Arteta revealed that the team is close to finalizing a deal for Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
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