Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants Odegaard back at Emirates

Mikel Arteta is keen on reuniting with former loanee Martin Odegaard.

The Norwegian international is high on Arsenal’s transfer priority list as talks between Arsenal and Maddison is progressing at a slower rate.

Odegaard spent the second half of last season on loan at Emirates and was involved in three goal contributions in 14 games for the Gunners.

He has been phenomenal for the North London side last season and it is reported that Arteta would do anything to sign him on a permanent deal.

“I think he had an incredible performance,” Arteta said. “I think he was very intelligent the way he read the game, the way he affected the game and again he showed how much he wanted to win.

“When everyone was a little trembling he gave us that stability and that composure on the ball and he created chance after chance. He’s been showing that, I think, from week one. The way he steps on the pitch, he always wants the ball, the way he commands the pressing. He’s been really influential.

“I think we’ve all been a bit surprised because he looks really shy and humble, but when he steps on that pitch he’s a real character and he loves to play football.”

See More: Top 5 Arsenal Players That Are Back From Loan