Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told he’s made bargain signing after bold £70m transfer decision

Arsenal’s purchase of Martin Odegaard has proven to be a bargain signing by Mikel Arteta, according to Gunners legend Ray Parlour. Arteta chose to buy the Norwegian ahead of Leicester’s James Maddison in the summer of 2021.

Odegaard first joined Arsenal on a six-month loan in January 2021. He didn’t have a major impact during his first spell at the Emirates and returned to Real Madrid.

The attacking midfielder was still keen to make it at the Bernabeu after joining as a 16-year-old. Arteta wanted to recruit in his position and Maddison was a top target.

However, Leicester wanted around £70million from the Gunners. Arteta held off and waited until later in the window to make a decision.

Odegaard did not see a way into the first-team picture at Real and there was only one place he wanted to go. Arsenal completed a deal at half the price Leicester were quoting for Maddison.