Arsenal are reportedly set to be told to include Emile Smith Rowe in a deal to sign Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid this summer.
According to a report by Daily Mail, the list of admirers of Emile Smith Rowe seems to be growing, with Real Madrid looking to land him in the summer transfer window. Los Blancos are set to demand the 20-year-old English playmaker in a deal that would see Martin Odegaard join Arsenal.
That Arsenal wish to sign Martin Odegaard permanently after a successful loan spell in the second half of the 2020/21 season is no secret. The Gunners had been bereft of creativity till the turn of the year for the most part, but the arrival of the Norwegian playmaker from Real Madrid turned things around spectacularly.
In addition, the exploits of one Emile Smith Rowe played their part in what was a late rejuvenation from Arsenal this past season, with four goals and seven assists in 33 appearances. In fact, such was Smith Rowe’s impact that he was widely viewed by many as one of the young finds of the season, having completed a proper breakthrough at the Emirates.
Therefore, heading into the summer transfer window, it is hardly surprising that he is starting to capture the attention of several clubs. Aston Villa have been one of his suitors, with the Villans already having a £25 million bid rejected for him by Arsenal. The north Londoners, though, could be bracing for interest from an even bigger club, with Real Madrid setting their sights on him.
Real Madrid need to lay down a succession plan for Luka Modric – and Toni Kroos to an extent – as the Croat approaches the final years of his illustrious career. While Federico Valverde is already a part of the fabric of the first-team setup, Martin Odegaard faces an uncertain future at the club amid interest from Arsenal.
As a result, Real Madrid have been linked with several midfielders in recent times, including Dani Olmo and Jamal Musiala. And now, they have turned their attention towards Smith Rowe. In fact, Real Madrid are looking to take advantage of the fact that Arsenal want Odegaard to secure the services of Smith Rowe in a possible exchange deal.
As per the report, Real Madrid value Odegaard at £35 million and would be willing to accept a deal if Arsenal give them Smith Rowe. This ought to now put the ball back in Arsenal’s court amid their efforts to secure the long-term future of the 20-year-old playmaker.
If the Gunners reject such a proposal, they could even set their sights on possible alternatives, with Odegaard himself being one after they failed to land Emiliano Buendia. Therefore, an intriguing transfer saga seems to be setting up, with Real Madrid keen on signing Smith Rowe from Arsenal.