Arteta to compensate for Odegaard return by signing Championship star

Mikel Arteta’s first full season as Arsenal manager will mostly be remembered for the wrong reasons. 

However, the Gunners are quietly building up lots of momentum ahead of next season, winning their last four Premier League matches and beating Chelsea away at Stamford Bridge.

They have also enjoyed the third best record against ‘The Big Six” recording 13 points; more than Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs.

It is the clubs lower down the table the North Londoners have struggled against, as they have proven to be susceptible to counter-attacks and have also struggled to break down low blocks.

The breakthrough of Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Sake and the impressively mature performances from Martin Odegaard have been the brightest lights of Arsenal’s season; however, the latter is set to return to Real Madrid who are reportedly keen to finally give the 22-year old a chance in the first team.

According to reports from The Daily Mail, Arsenal have already identified alternative targets should Odegaard return to Spain, and the favourite appears to be Norwich City midfielder Emiliano Buendia.

Buendia has contributed 32 goals and assists this season

The Argentinean playmaker has been nothing short of sensational for the Canaries this season, firing 15 goals and 17 assists in 39 appearances as Daniel Farke’s side won promotion back to the Premier League on the first attempt.

Arsenal have also been long term admirers of the 24-year-old, allegedly expressing an interest in bringing him to the Emirates last season, when Norwich were relegated.

However, Norwich would not be willing to part with one of their prized assets easily and it is believed it will require a substantial bid of around £40 million to prise him from Carrow Road.

With Arsenal missing out on the Champions League places yet again, it could be a necessary price to pay to add much needed creativity to Arsenal’s attacking line.