Jurgen Klopp reveals he tried to sign Arsenal star for Borussia Dortmund

Jurgen Klopp has praised Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and has opened up about his previous attempt to sign the midfielder.

The Gunners are set to host Liverpool this weekend as they look to make it eight wins from nine in the Premier League, while Odegaard will look to continue his excellent form.

The Norwegian took up the lead as Arsenal’s skipper in the summer and scored three goals for the team so far.

Speaking to news outlet TV 2, Klopp said: “I like him a lot, that’s easy in the moment I think.

“It was a bit more difficult at the start of his career at Madrid, it didn’t look like it would work out.

“I was really disappointed about that because we wanted him at Dortmund, we wanted him as well when he was very young. We had a long talk when he was a kid still, with his dad, in the end he decided for Madrid, that’s fine.”

Odegaard began his senior career with Norwegian club Stromsgodset and became one of the most highly sought after teenagers before joining Real Madrid at 16 years old.

The youngster’s move to Los Blancos was a controversial one as many believed he wouldn’t get the chance needed, while Klopp was well known for nurturing talents during his time in Dortmund.

The German signed the likes of Marco Reus, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ilkay Gundogan for The Black and Yellows.

“I’m really happy he’s become the player we all expected him to be, and even better if you want,” Klopp added.

“He has a massive role in an unbelievably strong Arsenal team. He’s still young, clear mind, very influential, cannot say anything negative about him, to be honest. A top player.”

Odegaard will look to play a key role in beating Klopp’s Liverpool side this weekend as they hope to strengthen their position at the top of the league table.