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As Arsenal and Real Madrid prepare for a high-stakes showdown in the Champions League quarter-finals, Gunners captain Martin Odegaard has revealed the former teammate he would love to see join him at the Emirates.
Odegaard, who joined Real Madrid as a 16-year-old in January 2015 from Norwegian club Strømsgodset, spent several years on loan before making a permanent switch to Arsenal in 2021. Since then, he has flourished in north London, making 185 appearances and earning the captain’s armband ahead of the 2022/23 season.
With Arsenal set to face Real Madrid in a competitive fixture for the first time since their last-16 clash in March 2006, Odegaard reflected on his time in Spain and singled out Vinicius Jr as the player he would most like to bring to Arsenal.
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“Now I just said that Vinicius Jr is the best in the world, so it’s natural to take him,” Odegaard told TV2 Sport when asked which Real Madrid star he would sign for the Gunners.
Vinicius Jr (Image credit: Getty Images)The Norwegian playmaker also spoke about the significance of the tie in a recent matchday programme, describing it as a special occasion.
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“Of course, these will be two very important matches against Real Madrid, and for me personally, it will be special to play against my former team,” he said.
“We believe in ourselves and we know what we can do. Our performances in the Champions League have been very good, winning seven of our ten matches so far. We’re looking forward to the first leg here at the Emirates Stadium next month. It will be a great evening.”
Arsenal will host Real Madrid in the first leg at the Emirates after the international break, before traveling to the Santiago Bernabéu for the decisive return fixture.
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