Norway manager Stale Solbakken claims Martin Odegaard’s absence from Real Madrid’s matchday squad for the 4-1 win over Alaves on Saturday may suggest that the midfielder is leaving the Bernabeu.

It is believed that Arsenal are in discussions about re-signing the 22-year-old, and while Solbakken claims he has no insider knowledge regarding the transfer, he suspects there are talks taking place behind the scenes:

“I don’t know more than that it is of course a clear signal for Martin. He played regularly in the practice matches, either from the start or with a lot of playing time as a substitute. When he is not in the squad, you do not need to have to be a fortune teller to know that there may be something going on.”

Odegaard does appear to be back on the radar for the Gunners after their attempts to lure James Maddison away from Leicester hit a roadblock over the 24-year-old’s transfer fee.

There have been claims that Arsenal could sign Odegaard on loan for a second time, but with an option to buy for around €35m (£30m), but we shall see if the transfer materialises.

For his part, Solbaakken says that moving back to the Emirates would be a good move for Odegaard, although he suggests there are still other clubs interested in the playmaker:

“He has many opportunities, many who want him. So, he, his representatives and his family will find out. He has been very good at picking out the right clubs in the past.”