Real Madrid do not have a “buy back clause” for Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Reports in the Spanish media had suggested that a clause was included when Real agreed to sell the Norwegian international for €40m (£34m) last year but Romano has refuted those claims:

Real Madrid don’t have any buy back clause for Martin Ødegaard. He’s in love with Arsenal project ⚪️🔴 #AFC

It was club director’s Edu masterpiece in 2021. Real Madrid did not want to sell Martin in June/July, Arsenal waited… until they got the green light for less than €40m. pic.twitter.com/yyLaj6CEw3

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 1, 2023

It should be pointed out that the original reports were related to a first refusal clause, rather than a buyback option, but even if that was inserted in the agreement, it doesn’t pose a threat to keeping Odegaard for the long term.

That will come as a massive relief to Gunners supporters, with the midfielder in outstanding form, having scored and contributed another assist in the 4-2 win over Brighton on Saturday evening.

If Odegaard can maintain these performance levels from now until the end of the season, it will give Mikel Arteta’s side a massive chance of securing an unlikely Premier League title.