Real Madrid deal denied amid buy-back clause claim over Arsenal star

Real Madrid do not hold a buy-back clause as part of the deal that saw midfielder Martin Ødegaard join Arsenal in a permanent move during the summer of 2021.

The Norway international initially joined the Gunners an a half-season loan during the January 2021 transfer window and helped Mikel Arteta’s side reach the Europa League semi-finals before a last-four defeat against Villarreal ended any thoughts of silverware.

However, the midfielder had done more than enough to persuade Arsenal to pursue a £31m permanent move and he has quickly established himself as a key part in Arteta’s squad. His first full season at the Emirates saw Ødegaard scored seven goals and provide five assists but it is during the current season where his influence on the Gunners has really shone through.

Currently sat top of the Premier League table with a seven point gap to nearest rivals Manchester City, Arsenal have benefitted from the Norwegian’s outstanding form with 12 goal involvements in just 21 appearances. His performance in Saturday’s win at Brighton and Hove Albion brought praise from Arteta, who lauded the display of his attacking players at the Amex Stadium.

He said: “Again, that he’s doing what we want him to do which is to decide football matches and work really had and deliver to the team what it needs in each moment of every game, which is different. The four front players scored again. Eddie (Nketiah) scoring again, Bukayo (Saka) and (Gabriel) Martinelli. In crucial moments as well. That’s what we want, that those players decide football matches when the team needs it and they’re doing it.”

There had been speculation linking Ødegaard with a move back to former club Real Madrid but journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed the La Liga giants do not have a buy-back clause available for a player that he says is ‘in love with the Arsenal project’.

He tweeted: “Real Madrid don’t have any buy back clause for Martin Ødegaard. He’s in love with Arsenal project. It was club director’s Edu masterpiece in 2021. Real Madrid did not want to sell Martin in June/July, Arsenal waited until they got the green light for less than €40m.”