Martin Odegaard explains how a Zoom call with Mikel Arteta persuaded him to join Arsenal

The 24-year-old signed on a permanent deal from Real Madrid in August 2021 after a successful loan spell at Emirates Stadium.

Odegaard was named Arsenal captain last summer and has flourished in midfield this season, becoming a crucial player in midfield for the Gunners under manager Mikel Arteta.

Norway skipper Odegaard has now revealed how a call with Arteta convinced him to make the move to north London.

“I spoke to Mikel Arteta on a Zoom call and he told me all about the project,” Odegaard told The Players’ Tribune.

“At the time, Arsenal were not doing well. They were way down like 15th in the table, but that meeting … Honestly, I challenge anyone to come away from a meeting with Arteta and not believe everything he tells you.

“He is next level. It’s hard to explain. He’s passionate, he’s intense and sometimes, yeah, he’s a bit crazy … but when he speaks, you understand that whatever he says will happen, will happen.

“He told me his plan, everything he was building towards. He knew exactly what needed to change at the club. He told me all about these amazing young players in the squad — Saka, Martinelli, Smith Rowe, etc., etc. He told me how he wanted me to fit in and how I was going to improve.

Odegaard believes there are no limits to what the Gunners can achieve as they look to secure their first Premier League for almost two decades.

“I will say this, though, if there’s anyone left who still doesn’t fully believe in this team, take it from me: there are no limits on what we can achieve. No one can tell me otherwise.

“I’m so proud to be captain of this club and I feel like I’m going to be here a long time.”

Arteta’s side are currently five points ahead of Manchester City in the league table following a 1-0 defeat to Everton last weekend.

The Gunners will be hoping to return to winning ways on Saturday when they face Brentford at Emirates Stadium.