Arsenal are keen to keep Martin Odegaard at the club beyond this season, according to reports.
The Norway international has excelled since moving to the Emirates Stadium on loan in January.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal’s preference is for a permanent deal that would see Odegaard sign a long-term contract with the club this summer.
However, they are also open to the idea of loaning him for the 2021/22 campaign, which could be Madrid’s favoured option.
Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham in the north London derby leaves Arteta’s side 10 points adrift of the top four.
Even if Arsenal fail to qualify for the continent’s premier competition, they will fancy their chances of booking a spot in next season’s edition of the Europa League.
Odegaard is unlikely to return to the Emirates without European football, so the next few months will be crucial to Arsenal’s attempts to retain him.
The La Liga giants are admirers of both Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, but they will need to raise funds through player sales if they are to make a move for either of football’s emerging superstars.
Arsenal will hope to take advantage of that situation, although they could face competition for Odegaard’s signature if Madrid make it known that they are open to a sale.
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