Fabrizio Romano has dropped an Arsenal transfer update on their pursuit of Real Madrid's Martin Odegaard.

What's the story?

Reports in recent weeks had suggested that the Gunners were lining up a swoop for Leicester City play-maker James Maddison, but it appears Mikel Arteta's side have instead closed in on a deal for Odegaard.

On Twitter, Romano said: "Martin Ødegaard has always been Arsenal priority… and now the deal is set to be completed, confirmed! Talks at final stages and here-we-go soon! #AFC Ødegaard will re-join Arsenal on permanent deal. Fee to be decided in the next hours. Contract until June 2026." 

Arsenal fans will be buzzing

While Odegaard may not have enjoyed an incredible loan spell at the Emirates last season, he did show enough to suggest that he could become a real star over a longer period for the Gunners.

As per WhoScored, the Norwegian averaged 1.4 key passes per game in the top-flight, which was the joint-highest of any Arsenal player last season along with Emile Smith Rowe.

Add to that, his 0.9 dribbles per match put him in the top five, while his impressive 90.9% pass accuracy was good enough to place him second in the Gunners' entire squad.

Arteta himself meanwhile has been quick to rave about just how much he rates Odegaard, saying: "Well, he's showing that I think from week one. The way he steps on the pitch, he always wants the ball, the way he commands the pressing. He’s been really influential.

"I think we’ve all been a bit surprised because he looks really shy and humble, but when he steps on that pitch he’s a real character and he loves to play football."

Given the Gunners' opening day defeat to Brentford in the Premier League, Romano's news that the north Londoners are closing in on a deal for Odegaard is sure to have Arsenal fans buzzing.

They desperately need reinforcements in the final couple of weeks of the transfer window, and Odegaard's imminent arrival is a great step in doing so.

Meanwhile, this Arsenal man was Mikel Arteta's villain vs Brentford...