Fabrizio Romano has dropped an exciting transfer claim about Arsenal's pursuit of Real Madrid star Martin Odegaard this summer.

What's the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that Mikel Arteta's side haven't given up hope of signing the Norway international, who of course joined the Gunners on a loan deal back in the January transfer window.

Now, Romano has delivered an update on the situation, and it makes for exciting news for Arsenal fans.

Writing on Twitter, he said: "Arsenal always had clear position regarding Martin Ødegaard. He’s always been considered the main target as number 10 - also if ‘complicated’. #AFC ...but if Real Madrid decide to let Ødegaard leave, Arsenal will be ready to make a proposal to sign Martin on permanent deal."

And then, in response to a fan who asked whether Odegaard would want to come to the Emirates if Madrid didn't want him, Romano simply replied with a "yes".

Fans will be buzzing

While Odegaard may not have exploded onto the scene at the Emirates, he did show flashes of brilliance -  both with his creativity and off-the-ball work - 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.

Crucially, Arteta himself hailed the kind of quality Odegaard brought to the table, 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."

With Arsenal having no Champions League or European football to offer whatsoever, news that Odegaard would be interested in making his return to the Emirates, and that the Gunners would look to sign him on a permanent deal however much money that costs, is news that'll have fans buzzing.

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