Keown makes another U-turn as Arsenal's transfer policy continues to pay off

Martin Keown has performed yet another u-turn on an Arsenal signing with Martin Odegaard now winning him over.

The Norwegian made a loan move to the Emirates midway through last season before heading back to Real Madrid.

Arsenal were able to sign him permanently however, forking out £29m to bring him back to the Emirates.

Odegaard was one of several arrivals in the summer, many of whom were criticised as the club changed their transfer policy.

An emphasis was placed on youth like the likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White and Nuno Tavares also joining.

A poor start didn't help their case, but Arteta now has the Gunners on the up with many of their new faces playing key roles.

Odegaard, who recently scored in three successive games against Manchester United, Everton and Southampton, has even been preferred to Emile Smith Rowe.

Have Your Say! Who should be Arsenal's next captain? Tell us in the comments here.

And his performances have caused Keown to hold his hands up about the 23-year-old.

He said: "I will say that when he first came to the club I wasn't the biggest of fans. But I have to change that opinion now.

"The clever movement he has to receive the ball. First class in that Arsenal midfield. He's growing in stature and his confidence is high.

"The manager has backed him, Smith Rowe has been on the bench recently."

Arteta hailed the Norwegian earlier this week, with his comments on his leadership qualities suggesting he could be in the frame to assume the armband in the future.

He said: "I agree in the last few weeks he's getting close to his best level and the ceiling for him I don't know where it is because of talent and desire he has and how much he wants to improve.

"We have a tremendous player. He is a natural leader if you look for perfect professional he wouldn't be very far from that".

Keown was also not sold on Ramsdale's arrival, with the goalkeeper costing £30m.

In his previous two seasons he had been relegated with Bournemouth and then Sheffield United, but has quickly usurped Bernd Leno.

Some of his performances have made a lot of people change their mind, with Keown among them.

He told BBC's Match of the Day: "Ramsdale, really strong, 23 years of age.

"I questioned the purchase, but I've been really happy with what he's done."