Arsenal prefer to sign £42m-rated star ahead of James Maddison

Arsenal are reportedly keen on landing the signature of Real Madrid playmaker Martin Odegaard on a permanent deal.

The Norwegian spent the second half of last season on loan with the Gunners, registering two goals and two assists from 20 games.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are prioritising a move for the 22-year-old despite the links with James Maddison.

They have yet to make an approach for the Leicester City playmaker. The England international could cost upwards of £70m.

On the contrary, ABC claims that Odegaard could be available for £42m, but Los Blancos could demand a buy-back clause.

A deal appears complicated at the moment with Los Blancos recently confirming that Toni Kroos has suffered a sports hernia.

The German is expected to miss around four weeks of action. Carlo Ancelotti's side may decide to keep Odegaard due to this.

Odegaard has less than two years remaining on his Madrid contract. He has yet to put pen-to-paper on an extension amid the uncertainty.