Kevin Campbell can envisage Arsenal signing Martin Odegaard on a permanent deal once his loan spell expires at the end of the season.
The Norway international was tipped as one of world football’s top prospects when he signed for Real Madrid at the age of just 16.
But Odegaard has found opportunities limited at the Bernabeu and after loan spells at Heerenveen, Vitesse and Real Sociedad, now finds himself with a chance to prove himself at Arsenal until the end of the campaign.
The 22-year-old impressed on his full Gunners debut as he helped fire Mikel Arteta’s side to a 4-2 victory over Leeds United last weekend.
And ex-Arsenal striker Campbell can see Odegaard making the Emirates his new permanent home next season.
‘While Martin Odegaard is a Real Madrid player he has been at the club six years and has never really established himself,’ he told Football Insider. ‘That is a long time.
‘He probably wants a home and some stability. He has no language problems coming to Arsenal.
‘Arteta is trying to build a good culture there. The dressing room is finally right and that is why Odegaard probably feels comfortable.
‘There is a lot of young players coming through now as well which is great for him.
‘He can bounce off of those guys. Why not seek a home? Why not join permanently? He is good enough. That is one thing that I know. He just needs the platform to show it.
‘I can see it happening.’
Speaking after the Leeds win, Odegaard opened the door to a potential transfer to Arsenal in the summer window.
‘You never know what is going to happen,’ he told TV2.
‘But for now I am just focusing on doing my best this season and helping the team as much as possible.’
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