The Norwegian playmaker has made an instant impact since signing on loan in the January window.
Paul Merson fears that Arsenal winning the Europa League could end up costing Mikel Arteta when it comes to bargaining over a deal for Martin Odegaard. The Real Madrid loanee has impressed since joining in January and has become an instant regular in the starting line-up.
In the 3-3 draw with West Ham last time out, the Norwegian took the game by the scruff of neck when his side fell three goals behind in the opening stages.
It was the kind of performance that led many to believe Arteta should build a side around the creative midfielder.
There is no clause in place to make the deal permanent, but reports have suggested the Gunners would be keen to do so.
Quizzed on his own stance, Odegaard told reporters that he has yet to even think about extending his stay in North London.
Speaking to VG about his immediate future, he said: “To be completely honest, I have not thought about it.
“I have an agreement until the summer and I am focusing on that. I want stability and development, those are key words.”
In another potentially bitter blow to Arteta’s hopes of signing the 22-year-old, it has been claimed he has a release clause set at a staggering £300million.
And Gunners icon Merson has said that if there is no chance of making the deal permanent, he should come out of the line-up in place of Emile Smith Rowe.
Martin Odegaard looks a really good player and I hope Arsenal have a chance of signing him permanently,” he wrote in his Star Sport column.
“Because if they don’t have a chance of making his loan permanent next season, why is he playing?
“If they know he doesn’t want to stay, he shouldn’t be playing because he’s taking opportunities away from people like Emile Smith Rowe.
The Sky Sports pundit added that he hopes Arsenal have already lodged a bid with Los Blancos, with his impressive performances likely to make them reluctant to sell at the end of the season.
Merson continued: “I hope Arsenal have done their homework and know what the situation is - I’d be disappointed if they haven’t already made a bid to be honest!
“It took him a while to adjust but you have to give him the ball. He gets into lots of good positions, and to start with his team-mates weren’t seeing him.
“They weren’t giving him the ball. But now he’s getting it more often and he’s making things happen. He can hurt opposing teams.
“It’s almost a free role and for someone so young to be trusted with such a difficult position at such a young age is a big deal.
“But if he’s okay after his injury and he helps Arsenal win the Europa League, Real Madrid will probably want him back - or add a lot more money to his asking price.”
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