Newcastle United may be further up against it in their quest to sign Joe Willock.
It is common knowledge that the Magpies are keen to sign the midfielder as one of their own after his stunning loan spell.
Willock made 14 appearances for the club, and scored a highly impressive eight goals.
Steve Bruce has said the club will try to bring him back, but Arsenal are in a strong position and could demand a premium fee.
But one wonders if the Gunners will actually even be open to selling at all.
Defensa Central have reported today that new Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has spoken to Martin Odegaard about him staying at the Bernabeu for the 2021/22 season.
It’s stated that the Italian ‘fully trusts’ the 22-year-old.
Ultimately, it’s quite possible that Madrid keeping hold of the Norway international will mean Arsenal won’t let Willock depart.
Newcastle could do with Arsenal buying Odegaard
One would think Newcastle’s hopes of landing Willock could hinge on Arsenal being able to bring back Odegaard.
If they are able to do that it, theoretically, reduces their need for Willock, with both players attacking midfielders.
So this claim that Ancelotti is keen to work with Odegaard at Real is potentially a blow for Newcastle in their pursuit of a player that clearly improves their starting XI.
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