Real Madrid have reportedly set an asking price of €50 million for playmaker Martin Odegaard as Arsenal ramp up their pursuit of the Norwegian.

According to a report from ESPN, Real Madrid will demand a transfer fee of €50 million for Martin Odegaard in case the player pushes for a move away amid serious interest from Premier League giants Arsenal.

Odegaard has been with Real Madrid for six years now, having arrived as a teenage prodigy from Stromsgodset. Despite having had impressive spells away on loan with the likes of Heerenveen and Real Sociedad, the Norwegian has found it hard to carve out a place for himself in the starting XI at the Spanish capital club.

After a difficult first half of the 2020/21 season under Zinedine Zidane, Odegaard was shipped off to Arsenal on loan in January, and the 22-year-old performed fairly well, managing a return of two goals and assists apiece in 20 games. Upon the expiry of his loan spell, the Gunners were said to be intent on re-signing him, either on loan or a permanent transfer.

But that trail had gone cold over the past month, as Odegaard seemingly looked set to stay at Real Madrid and get a more prominent role under new manager Carlo Ancelotti. However, things are heating up once again of late, with reports earlier this week claiming that the playmaker was keen on securing a return to the Emirates.

Odegaard wants to return to Arsenal (Photo by Trond Tandberg/Getty Images)
Odegaard wants to return to Arsenal (Photo by Trond Tandberg/Getty Images)

Arsenal, too, are interested in re-signing the 22-year-old on loan with an option to buy in the future. Despite having extended the contract of academy product Emile Smith Rowe, the Gunners could use another No. 10 in the ranks, rather than putting too much pressure on the youngster early in his career.

Furthermore, with doubts over the future of Willian, adding Odegaard would allow manager Mikel Arteta to field either him or Smith Rowe out wide if and when needed, helping the squad dynamics. And, they may be able to get their man this summer provided they meet the demands of Real Madrid.

The Merengues consider Odegaard as an important part of the team for the present and the future. However, in case the player himself wishes to secure a transfer away from the Santiago Bernabeu, the club would not stand in his way and let him go, in case an offer of around €50 million comes along.

The report, though, adds that Real Madrid remain hopeful that Odegaard has a change of heart in the coming days and decides to stay put at the club and fight for a place before eventually taking over from Luka Modric. The next two weeks are said to be crucial with regard to where the 22-year-old ends up before the 2021/22 season.

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