Arsenal star’s former club have ‘first refusal’ if he were to leave

Arsenal travel to the south coast to face Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, with Mikel Arteta’s side looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table. 

The Gunners currently have a five-point lead over reigning champions Manchester City after winning 13 of their opening 15 league matches this season.

Arteta’s side beat West Ham United 3-1 in their last match, with goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah securing all three points.

Despite not scoring against The Hammers, it was midfielder Martin Odegaard who took most of the plaudits.

The Norwegian was in sensational form at The Emirates, setting up the first two goals and impressing for the entirety in midfield.

Now, though, it is being reported that the player’s former club could have the chance to sign him.

According to Ramon Alvarez de Mon via The Evening Standard, Real Madrid have ‘first refusal’ on Odegaard if he were to leave north London.

It is claimed that the Spanish side, who Odegaard left to join Arsenal last year, will have the chance to sign the Norway international before anyone else if he does leave the club.

Odegaard has made 80 appearances for the club since joining from Madrid, initially on loan, and then on a permanent basis last summer.

The ex-Real Sociedad loanee is thriving in the capital this season, with his performances having played a crucial role in Arsenal’s success so far this term.

The midfielder has started 14 of The Gunners’ 15 league matches so far this term, scoring six goals and providing four assists.

When he joined Arsenal, the player signed a deal that runs until 2025, meaning that he would appear unlikely to be leaving his current side any time soon.

Over the summer, Odegaard was named as Arsenal’s new captain, and he has since been arguably The Gunners’ most impressive player so far this season.