KEY POINTS

  • Arsenal is unlikely to have Odegaard in the lineup when they face Chelsea on Sunday
  • Odegaard' visa is still being processed
  • Arsenal will have to rely on its young core in the game against Chelsea

Arsenal is in need of help, and Martin Odegaard could address the need.

After playing for the Gunners on loan last season, the Norwegian is reportedly staying at the Emirates Stadium permanently with both sides expected to officially complete the transfer soon.

The 22-year-old midfielder is expected to make a permanent move to Arsenal after Real Madrid agreed to an initial £30 million ($40.88 million) fee as well as bonuses estimated to be around £4 million ($5.45 million), ESPN reported.

Last season, Odegaard apparently made a good account of himself. He was one of the better players for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, a performance that he hoped would capture the attention of new Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Unfortunately for the Norwegian midfielder, his situation at Real Madrid hardly changed. It was no different from his status when Zinedine Zidane was still around.

While this should be a good development for the Gunners, who drew flak for their loss to Brentford, Odegaard’s debut as a permanent player may have to wait.

Although personal terms have been met, it appears that he holds low chances of playing on Sunday when the Gunners face Chelsea.

The reason behind this is that his visa application is still getting processed, Sky Sports reported.

Odegaard could have provided Arteta and company some needed help with mainstays like Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang indisposed.

Eddie Nketiah is also injured, something he sustained from a friendly with Chelsea earlier this month.

Hence, Arteta will have to rely on his young players who can hopefully perform and respond better.

Bukayo Saka is returning, but his presence may not be enough to keep Arsenal’s chances against the Blues afloat.

Aside from the impending Odegaard deal, the Gunners are also working on getting a deal done with Sheffield United for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Martin Odegaard (right) struck in Arsenal's 2-1 win over Tottenham
Martin Odegaard (right) struck in Arsenal's 2-1 win over Tottenham POOL / DAN MULLAN

Both sides are hoping to seal a £24 million ($32.7 million) deal done in time for the Gunners’ Sunday clash with Chelsea.

Ramsdale has been on Arteta’s radar this summer. He originally joined Sheffield United from Bournemouth in 2020.

While Arsenal is trying to figure out its approach for this Sunday's assignment, Chelsea is looking good.

The Blues are expected to field Romelu Lukaku, someone who has been already training with the team since moving from Inter Milan.

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