Martin Odegaard joins Arsenal

Arsenal have signed Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid on a permanent deal. The 22-year-old, who appeared 20 times during a loan spell last year, signs a long term contract.

The Gunners have long been chasing Odegaard's permanent signature, but the Norway international midfielder appeared to be out of reach with Real Madrid insisting that the youngster still had a future.

However, Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu's persistence appears to have finally paid off, as Odegaard takes over the number 8 shirt at the Emirates Stadium.

Odegaard has signed a five year contract with the North London side, and is set to be flung straight in to first-team responsibilities.

Arteta said after announcing the deal, "He is still a really young man but he has huge experiences in clubs already and has unique talents for the way we want to play so I am really pleased the club have made the effort."

Arsenal have beaten Tottenham and Valencia in the signing of Odegaard, with the Norwegian starlet ending his six year spell with Madrid in exchange for the Gunners.