Real Madrid News
Real Madrid don’t have a buyback option on Martin Odegaard – Romano
Martin Odegaard is thriving since leaving Real Madrid for Arsenal in a permanent transfer in the summer of 2021.
The Norwegian international has emerged as the leader of the Gunners’ project under Mikel Arteta, even taking over the club captaincy this season.
The 24-year-old has been delivering top-notch performances one after the other in the Premier League and has been a key driving force behind Arsenal rising to the summit of the table, with a seven-point lead.
Odegaard, thus far, has netted seven goals and set up five more for his teammates from 15 Premier League matches this season.
The attacking midfielder’s form had led to speculations that Real Madrid are regretting selling him to Arsenal in 2021 and that the Merengues might have a first-refusal option or even a buyback clause inserted in the deal that saw him leave.
But, according to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid do not have a buyback option for Odegaard, who is ‘in love’ with the project at Arsenal.
The Gunners had signed the midfielder on loan in January 2021 and over the next six months, he made a great impression at the Emirates.
It prompted Arsenal to push for his permanent signing later that summer, but they had to wait for a while as Real Madrid were unwilling to sell him during the months of June and July.
But, the north London outfit waited and finally managed to get the deal done for less than €40 million, which is proving to be an excellent investment so far.
As for Real Madrid, they are looking to bolster their midfield next summer, but there have been no indications that a move for Odegaard is being considered.
The Merengues have their eyes firmly fixed on Jude Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund and are at the front of the queue to sign the England international.
Real Madrid News
Key Real Madrid star will be fit for Valladolid clash despite national team withdrawal
Real Madrid have been greeted with some positive news on the injury front as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is expected to be fit and ready for the upcoming La Liga clash against Real Valladolid.
The 30-year-old custodian had flown away for national team duty with Belgium and played the full game against Sweden last week. However, the Real Madrid ace was sent back to the club over the weekend due to a minor adductor strain.
This raised concerns over the former Chelsea star’s condition, especially with a busy period lying ahead for the Merengues.
However, Mario Cortegana of The Athletic has eased any nerves surrounding his situation, reporting that Courtois was subjected to tests upon returning to Spain and there is no reason for worry.
The report states that Real Madrid expect their No. 1 to be fit and available for their next game which will be against Real Valladolid in La Liga on April 2, Sunday.
It is further stated that the knock Courtois sustained was not a new one and that the 30-year-old had felt discomfort in the same area during Los Blancos’ UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg tie against Liverpool at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this month.
Courtois has featured 32 times across all competitions this term, having missed a few matches due to fitness issues. He has managed just ten clean sheets and will be hoping to add to that against Valladolid, now that is reportedly fit to feature at the weekend.
In another boost, reports earlier today indicated that Toni Kroos does not have any injury after concerns were raised due to the midfielder doing individual training sessions over the past week.
