Odegaard's Arsenal shirt number could have implications for Maddison transfer

Martin Odegaard has returned to Arsenal on a permanent deal after impressing on loan last term.

The initial fee for the Norway international is believed to be in the region of £30million with a further £4million in add-ons.

The playmaker joins from Real Madrid and has been handed the No 8 shirt at the Emirates.

Dani Ceballos donned that number last term, but it has since been vacated after he returned to the Spanish capital.

Odegaard scored twice in 20 outings across all competitions for the Gunners last term, one of which came in their north London derby success.

Mikel Arteta had been keen to bring in a creative midfielder this summer with James Maddison also linked.

Martin Odegaard has rejoined Arsenal on a permanent basis

The Leicester star is reportedly open to a move away from the King Power, but whether Arsenal could now afford him remains to be seen.

Maddison himself claimed recently that the No 8 position is where he ideally wants to operate - but that shirt, and potentially that area, are now taken.

When asked about his preferred position last term the Englishman said: "Number eight definitely. I played as a No.10 at the start of last season, and then when the gaffer [Rodgers] came in, I transitioned into a No.8, and sometimes I play off the left."

Arsenal's No 8 shirt was previously worn by their manager, Arteta, during his playing days in north London.

Aaron Ramsey inherited it from him whilst the likes of Samir Nasri, Freddie Ljungberg and Ian Wright also wore it in the past.

Odegaard joins the likes of Ben White and Sambi Lokonga in moving to the Emirates this summer.

However the Norwegian will be unavailable for Sunday's game against Chelsea as the Gunners aim to bounce back from a disappointing defeat at Brentford.

His first outing could therefore be against West Brom in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday or Manchester City in the Premier League next weekend.

Maddison has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal ( Image:

Paul Harding/The FA via Getty Images)

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Arsenal also hope to wrap up the signing of Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United after a lengthy pursuit.

The goalkeeper was part of England's Euro 2020 set-up and is eyeing a top flight return after the Blades relegation.

Issues over the fee have been a biggest stumbling block but an agreement looks to be close.

He will provide competition for Brend Leno in between the sticks.