Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta fears the club will be priced out of a move for Real Madrid playmaker Martin Odegaard, with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool interested in the Norwegian.
The 22-year-old is on loan at the Emirates until the end of the season but his deal does not include the option for the Gunners to sign him permanently.
Arteta is keen on keeping Odegaard and would prefer to sign the Norwegian on a permanent basis, though he’d accept another season-long loan.
However, Odegaard’s performances have put the Norway international in the shop window and the Daily Star claim his value has increased from around £30m in January to around £50m now.
That fee could prove too high for Arsenal, who will need to win the Europa League to gain entry into next season’s Champions League.
While it’s not certain that Madrid will sanction Odegaard’s departure, Arsenal also face the threat of Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool hijacking their move for the Norwegian.
The pair would have no problem meeting Madrid’s new asking price and Arsenal will have to rely on goodwill from Odegaard that he would become a key figure at the Emirates.
Arteta reportedly feels the Gunners remain in pole position, even with Madrid’s ramped up asking price.
But much could depend on how Arsenal finish the season, with the club outsiders for a European spot via their league position.
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