Martin Odegaard appears to confirm he will NOT be returning to Arsenal next season as Real Madrid star thanks Gunners fans and manager Mikel Arteta after six-month loan
- Arsenal were interested in a permanent move for Martin Odegaard this summer
- The Norwegian spent the final six month of the season with the Gunners
- Odegaard impressed but the Gunners endured their worst season of the century
- The 22-year-old now looks set to be heading back to Real Madrid next season
Mikel Arteta will have to look elsewhere to add a spark of creativity to his Arsenal squad, with Martin Odegaard looking set to snub another spell in north London.
The Spanish coach was keen on bringing Odegaard to the Emirates permanently this summer after the Norwegian impressed on his sixth month loan from Real Madrid.
However, half a season embroiled in the Arsenal nightmare was enough for the 22-year-old, who instead looks set to head back to Real Madrid and fight for his place under Carlo Ancelotti.
Martin Odegaard has sent a message to Arsenal with the midfielder returning to Real Madrid
The Norwegian spent six months at Arsenal, which saw him score in the north London derby
‘Arsenal, thank you so much for these six months,’ Odegaard wrote on Instagram. ‘My time with the Arsenal family will always hold a special place in my heart.
‘I wanna thank everyone in and around the club for the way you made me feel like a part of the family since the first day.
‘Thank you, gunners family. Always in my heart.’
Odegaard also picked-out Arteta, his team-mates and the fans, on who he said: ‘Even without you guys at the stadium for the majority of the season, I felt you with me at all times.’
Odegaard thanked his team-mates and Mikel Arteta, who wanted to sign him permanently
The 22-year-old will return to Real Madrid aiming to finally nail down a starting spot in Spain
The midfielder only managed two goals and two assists in 20 games with Arsenal, but was a key creator in their midfield as the Gunners recovered from a shocking run in the first half of the season.
Odegaard became one of the most hyped wonder-kids of all time when he was signed by Real Madrid aged 16, but has only made 11 appearances for the first-team since.
The Norwegian missed-out on a chance to show his talents at Euro 2020 by providing for Erling Haaland all summer, after his nation failed to qualify.
Instead he’ll be able to join-up with Ancelotti’s squad early for pre-season, where he’ll be eager to show his talents.
