Real Madrid 'considering Martin Odegaard return'

Real Madrid are reportedly considering re-signing Martin Odegaard, having been impressed with his performances for Arsenal during the 2022-23 campaign.

The Gunners captain has been in strong form this term, scoring six goals and contributing four assists in 20 appearances, playing a key role in Mikel Arteta's side sitting at the top of the Premier League table.

Odegaard spent the second half of the 2020-21 campaign on loan at Arsenal from Real Madrid before making a permanent move to the Emirates Stadium in August 2021.

The Norway international scored seven goals for the North London club last season but is on course to better that total during the 2022-23 campaign.

According to Marca, Real Madrid have first refusal on Odegaard due to the clause that they inserted into the deal that took the playmaker to Arsenal last year.

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The report claims that Los Blancos have been carefully monitoring the 24-year-old's form in the English capital, and the club are considering making an attempt to re-sign him in the near future.

Odegaard was linked with a number of clubs following his breakthrough at Stromgodset, but it was Real Madrid that won the race for his signature in 2015.

The Norwegian was a regular for Real Madrid Castilla, while he spent time out on loan with Heerenveen, Vitesse and Real Sociedad before joining Arsenal.

Odegaard only made 11 first-team appearances for Real Madrid, though, with nine of those outings coming during the 2020-21 campaign.

Arsenal are in a strong position when it comes to the attacker's future, as he has a contract with Arteta's side until the summer of 2025.

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Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti has already confirmed that his club will not be making any signings during the January transfer window.

"We won't be signing anyone because the squad is well constructed. In terms of exits, we don't know. Some of the players who play less might look to go somewhere where they'd play more. But, there won't be any incomings," the Italian told reporters on Thursday.

However, Ancelotti has commented on 16-year-old forward Endrick, who will be making the move to Bernabeu in July 2024.

"We have spoken a little bit and we're very happy that he can join the club in 2024. He is a great player and talent and we're excited for him to join," he said.

Real Madrid will be bidding to move to the top of the La Liga table when they face Real Valladolid on Friday night.