Liverpool have been linked with a move for Real Madrid midfielder Martin Odegaard as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster his forward line for the upcoming campaign.

What's the story?

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Reds are one of three Premier League clubs interested in signing the 22-year-old this summer, with Chelsea and Arsenal also credited with an interest.

The report claimed that Real Madrid are set to demand €50m (£42.7m) for Odegaard following impressive loan stints at Real Sociedad and the Emirates Stadium in recent campaigns.

Imagine him and Mohamed Salah

Odegaard arrived in the Spanish capital to much fanfare back in 2015 after being dubbed the 'Norwegian Messi' by many due to his slight stature and magnificent dribbling skills. However, the Scandinavian talent initially struggled to live up to those incredibly high expectations and was loaned out to Eredivisie sides Heerenveen and Vitesse.

His time in Dutch football came with mixed reviews, but it was upon his return to La Liga where Odegaard finally started to fulfil his early promise. In the 2019/20 campaign, he bagged seven goals and provided a further nine assists in 36 appearances for Sociedad, playing a pivotal part in their eventual Copa del Rey success.

Despite his impressive performances at the Reale Arena, Odegaard struggled to break into Madrid's starting lineup upon his return to the Bernabeu, featuring from the off on just five occasions in the first half of last season.

A short-term loan move to Arsenal followed, resulting in a string of glowing reviews for his solid displays, including from Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

“I’ve been very impressed with his leadership. He looks a little bit calm and reserved, but on the pitch, he’s got something about him. I’ve been really impressed with him," said the Spanish tactician.

“When I talk about leadership, it’s how he talks to his teammates, how he commands, for example, the high press. And then there’s the personality he shows every time an opponent is close to him, he still wants the ball in the right areas, his decision-making is really good. He’s a really intelligent player."

A move to Liverpool this summer would see the Norway international line up alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah at Anfield, a prospect which would surely intimidate Premier League defences.

As per WhoScored, Odegaard recorded 1.4 key passes per league game last term, more than any other Arsenal player. Meanwhile, the Egyptian plundered 22 top-flight goals despite the Reds' struggles in 2020/21, so imagine how lethal he could be if he had the Norwegian's creativity from which to benefit.

Therefore, Liverpool director of football Michael Edwards must swoop for the Real Madrid youngster, providing Salah with a top-class creative talent capable of setting up golden opportunities on a regular basis.

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