The former Gunners striker sees plenty of potential in a Norwegian midfielder, but those at the Emirates Stadium have burned their fingers in the past
Arsenal have been warned that Martin Odegaard could be another “embarrassment” like Denis Suarez, with Mikel Arteta motivated to do his “homework” before concluding a loan deal with Real Madrid.
The Gunners are closing in on a short-term deal that will put a Norwegian midfielder on their books.
This is not the first loan that has been pushed through by La Liga depression recently. Dani Ceballos, who is also under contract to Real, will face a second season at the Emirates Stadium.
Prior to Ceballos, the Spanish international Suarez was ousted from Barcelona in January 2019.
Suarez would give the Gunners just six appearances, with injury problems holding him back, and he wasn’t at all sure when he would get a chance to cheer.
Alan Smith hopes history is not about repeating with Odegaard as the 22-year-old has struggled to fulfill his potential – especially in Madrid – since an explosion on the ground. the scene as a teenager.
The Gunners fighter said Astro Stadium when asked why Arteta is looking to introduce a creative playmaker: “To have another choice perhaps. I don’t think he would walk into the team with any piece.
“His problems are improving at Real Madrid and the last thing Arsenal want is to bring in someone who can’t offer anything.
“You think back to Denis Suarez who came to the club and physically he wasn’t ready and then he picked up an injury.
“We were embarrassed in the end, so hopefully they will do their homework on Odegaard.
“He’s a young player who went to Real Madrid, and there’s a lot expected of him, and as happens so often he doesn’t get that way.
“But they have been looking for more creativity. [Emile] Smith Rowe has provided that. They were also linked with Christian Eriksen the other day. So it’s that kind of player who can make the difference against a deep defense that defends numbers.
“I wouldn’t expect him to start a lot of games, maybe someone who would just go in and out.
“But Arsenal have almost put one hand behind their backs because financially they can’t throw money at them so they have to be very creative in getting those loans out. -into. Ceballos were brought in from Real Madrid, they have that relationship.
“Ceballos did well during his time at the Emirates I think so hopeful that Odegaard would come and he has a point to prove and add something to what they have.”
Arsenal will be hoping Odegaard sees the ground run if he reaches north London, with Arteta’s side suffering another loss in their latest trip as they relinquish their FA Cup grip with a 1-0 loss in the quarter tour at Southampton