Talented Norwegian prospect Martin Odegaard has completed his move from Real Madrid to Arsenal on loan for the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign.

The attacking midfielder, who was signed by the Spanish giants at just 16 in 2015, has impressed during various loan spells in the Dutch Eredivisie and also for Real’s division rivals Real Sociedad, but continues to find opportunities in the Los Galacticos limited first team.

Now 22, Odegaard could continue his steady progress to his full potential under Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, with the Gunners finding themselves closer to Sociedad than Madrid these days.

Arteta said: “It’s great that we made sure Martin came to us until the end of the season. Martin is of course a player we all know very well and although still young he has been playing at the highest level for some time. Martin will provide us with some quality offensive options and we are all excited to be making it part of our plans by May.

The newcomer admitted Arsenal.com that Arteta was one of the main reasons he chose to go to Emirates Stadium.

“I spoke to him before I came here, of course,” Odegaard explained. “It was very important to me and he seems to be a top manager and I liked his ideas, the way he sees football and also the way he is.

“He gave me a good feeling and it was important for me to come here. He was crucial.

“I think every time you go to a new place you want to make sure that it feels good and that there is a plan. But I think everything here looks good.

“I love the club and have always liked the way the club wants to play. Everything about the club and now the way the manager wants to play, I think it’s a club that suits me really well. So I think it’s a good game. “

Odegaard will wear the number 11 shirt for the London club, but it remains to be seen whether or not he will be ready by his next home game on Saturday against Manchester United.

Gunners technical director Edu added: “We are delighted to welcome Martin to the club until the end of the season.

“I want to thank everyone at Real Madrid and Martin’s representatives for their cooperation in making this loan happen. Martin is an exceptional talent and we are strengthening our squad by presenting an exciting attacking player to the club for the remaining months of this season. ”