ODE OH DEAR
Odegaard could be another ’embarrassment’ at Arsenal like Denis Suarez, fears Alan Smith as Gunners agree transfer
MARTIN ODEGAARD could be another 'embarrassment' at Arsenal just like Denis Suarez, fears Alan Smith.
The Gunners are on the brink of confirming the Norwegian's loan transfer from Real Madrid.
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He will complete a deal until the end of the season with a £1.8million loan fee and covering his £38,000-a-week wages.
But former Highbury hero Smith is worried he may turn out to be another flop in the same way Suarez was in 2019.
The Spaniard arrived at the Emirates from Barcelona two years ago but made just six substitute appearances, failing to register any goals or assists before getting injured.
Speaking about Odegaard, Smith told : "He's had his problems developing at Real Madrid and the last thing Arsenal want is to get somebody in who can't offer anything.
"You think back to Denis Suarez who came to the club and physically he just wasn't ready and then he picked up injuries.
"It was a bit of an embarrassment in the end, so hopefully they will do their homework on Odegaard.
"He's a young player that went to Real Madrid, and so much is expected of him, and as so often happens it doesn't quite materialise like that."
Mesut Ozil finally completed his free transfer to Fenerbahce, leaving Emile Smith Rowe as the only natural No10 at the club.
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And that is why Smith believes Arsenal are right to try and bring in a playmaker before the transfer window closes - although he reckons ex-Spurs man Christian Eriksen would be a better option.
But he also recognises the difficulty of the January transfer window - and highlighted the positive impact Dani Ceballos could have on helping Odegaard settle at the Emirates.
Smith continued: "They've been looking for more creativity. Smith Rowe has provided that. They were linked to Christian Eriksen as well the other day.
"So it's that kind of player that can make the difference against a deep-lying defence that's defending in numbers. I wouldn't expect him to start many games, somebody that would just dip in and out perhaps.
"Arsenal have almost got one hand tied behind their back because financially they can't throw money at it so they've got to be fairly creative in getting these loans in.
"Ceballos has been brought in from Real Madrid and they've got that relationship.
"Ceballos has done well during his time at the Emirates I think so hopefully Odegaard could come and he's got a point to prove and he could add something to what they've got."
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Martin Odegaard shows off his skills at Real Madrid training
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