EPL: Keown questions Arsenal’s decision to sign Odegaard permanently

Arsenal legend, Martin Keown, has questioned the club’s decision to sign Martin Odegaard on a permanent deal from Real Madrid. Odegaard returned to Real Madrid at the…

By Terry Paul1 min read
Updated August 21, 2021 3:00 pm
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Arsenal legend, Martin Keown, has questioned the club’s decision to sign Martin Odegaard on a permanent deal from Real Madrid.

Odegaard returned to Real Madrid at the end of last season following a six-month loan deal at Emirates, hoping to finally establish himself as a first-team player under manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The Norway international, however, failed to convince Ancelotti he was worthy of a place in his squad and eventually accepted the opportunity to return to Arsenal, who announced his return on Friday ahead of their Premier League clash with Chelsea on Sunday.

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Speaking on the development, Keown told talkSPORT: “Odegaard came in after Boxing Day. Yes, the results improved largely. He played 16 times, nine starts, five [substitute appearances], one goal two assists.

“I think Smith Rowe is a better player in that position. But if the manager feels that Odegaard can bring something extra to the group then time will tell again.

“I don’t think that he’s a world-class player but I do think he’s a promising player.

“The other signings, it’s still too early to say. Lokonga in midfield played OK the other night.”

Arsenal, Real Madrid close to £30m permanent deal for Odegaard

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Terry Paul

Paul Terry is a publisher and an author in wowplus.net and other news channel

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