Martin Odegaard has signed for Arsenal.

The Norwegian international is joining the Gunners from Real Madrid on loan for the rest of this season.

The 22-year-old Odegaard arrives at the Emirates after falling down the pecking order under Zinedene Zidane and seeing his game-time severely restricted, despite an impressive spell on loan with Real Sociedad last term.

The Norway international has taken the number 11 shirt at the Emirates.

Speaking after leading Arsenal to an impressive 3-1 victory over Southampton at St Mary's, boss Mikel Arteta said: “It’s great that we’ve secured Martin to come to us until the end of the season.

"Martin is of course a player that we all know very well and although still young, he has been playing at the top level for a while.

"Martin will provide us with quality offensive options and we’re all excited to be integrating him into our plans between now and May.”

While at Sociedad Odegaard became one of the most creative players in La Liga, playing an important role in the team achieving a European-placed finish.

Sociedad wanted to have Odegaard back on a new loan deal, along with Dutch champions Ajax, but the creative playmaker opted for Arsenal and the Premier League for the next six months at least. 

Technical director Edu said: “We are delighted to welcome Martin to the club until the end of the season.

"I would like to thank everyone at Real Madrid and Martin’s representatives for their collaboration in making this loan move happen.

"Martin is an exceptional talent and we are strengthening our squad by introducing an exciting offensive player to the club for the remaining months of this season.” 

Follow Layth on Twitter @laythy29

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