Odegaard reveals funny story on how Wenger almost signed him

When Martin Odegaard arrived in north London to join Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2021, it was a move that had been years in the making. The 24-year-old Norwegian international had been on the Gunners’ radar since he was a youngster, and it was former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger who was close to signing him back then.

In writing for The Players’ Tribune, Odegaard revealed that he had been invited to train at London Colney and meet Wenger when he was still at a young age. He also recalled how the legendary manager took him and his father out for dinner, which made for a strange but cool experience.

“I’m not just saying this … I was actually close to choosing Arsenal,” wrote Odegaard. “When we went there, I got to train at London Colney. I met Arsène Wenger. He took me and Dad out for dinner. That was cool, but strange too.”

Arsene Wenger

The midfielder went on to describe how he felt nervous during the dinner as he thought Wenger might be analysing him while they ate steak together. “It’s Arsène Wenger, you know? He’s this legend I grew up watching on TV, and now I’m sitting across from him eating steak,” said Odegaard. “I was so nervous I was just sitting there thinking, Is he analysing me right now? Is he going to judge me if I eat the fries? Maybe I should just leave them. Hahaha!”

Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, Odegaard eventually decided against joining the club at that time and instead opted to sign for Spanish giants Real Madrid. However, after a couple of years with Los Blancos – including two loan spells – Odegaard finally joined Arsenal in 2021 and has since become an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s side.

It’s clear that Arsene Wenger had identified Martin Odegaard as a potential star of the future back when he was still a youngster – something which could have been very different if the Norwegian had chosen to join Arsenal all those years ago!