Arsenal will not be able to afford to sign Real Madrid playmaker Martin Odegaard on a permanent basis, according to journalist Christian Falk.
The Norway captain has been nursing an ankle problem in recent weeks, but he has made a positive impression in North London since arriving on loan in January.
The Gunners have understandably been linked with a permanent move for Odegaard as they look to bolster their creative options, but Falk does not expect the 22-year-old to don the red and white jersey next season.
Speaking to BILD, Falk explained that Arsenal would "probably like to keep" Odegaard at the club beyond the end of the current season, the playmaker would prove "too expensive" for the Gunners to keep.
As a result, Falk adds that Arsenal could instead turn their attention to Borussia Dortmund's Julian Brandt, who has fallen out of favour at the Westfalenstadion and could supposedly be available for £21.5m.
Odegaard, meanwhile, is reported to possess a £300m release clause in his Real Madrid contract, and Zinedine Zidane supposedly views the Norwegian as an integral part of the club's future.
Ben Knapton
