Arsenal will reportedly not be able to sign Martin Odegaard on a permanent deal this summer as Real Madrid view the Norway international as an important part of the club's future.

The 22-year-old struggled for regular action in the first half of the 2020-21 campaign and was subsequently allowed to join Arsenal on a six-month loan in January.

Odegaard has been a regular for the Gunners since his arrival, making six appearances in all competitions, and it has been suggested that Mikel Arteta's side are keen on a permanent deal.

However, according to Marca, Los Blancos are confident that the Norwegian will be an important player for the club moving forward and hope to see the best of him next season.

The report claims that tendinitis in his knee had been causing Odegaard problems in the early months of the season, but the midfielder now appears to be over the troublesome issue.

Zinedine Zidane's team are believed to have beaten a number of clubs to the youngster's signature in 2015 after he made the breakthrough at Stromsgodset.