Inside Martin Odegaard's transfer talks with Jurgen Klopp and how Arsenal signed him

The signing of Martin Odegaard is one of the most significant milestones in Mikel Arteta's Arsenal revolution

Aged 22, Odegaard initially arrived at Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid in January 2021, in a period where the north Londoners were at rock bottom. His move was made permanent that summer for £30million, and his exceptional leadership skills, footballing intelligence and creativity swiftly saw him handed the captain's armband by the start of the 2022/23 season.

His contribution to Arteta's project extends well beyond his impressive tally of 31 Premier League goals and 23 assists for the Gunners, with his recent injury absence highlighting just how dependent Arsenal have become on the Norway captain. Despite indicating that he is "getting closer" to making a comeback earlier this week, Sunday's blockbuster showdown against Liverpool arrives too soon for Odegaard.

Arteta is rightly lauded for recognising and nurturing his untapped potential three years ago when his status as a wonderkid was dwindling. But Liverpool's own iconic manager Jurgen Klopp too had once set his sights on the gifted midfield magician.

Before Odegaard's transfer from Stromsgodset to the Santiago Bernabeu, Klopp – who was then managing Borussia Dortmund – attempted to sign the teenager. But like many other top European clubs seeking his signature, the German couldn't compete with the prestige of Real Madrid.

Klopp recalled trying to sign Odegaard ahead of a fixture against Arsenal in 2022, where he said: "I spoke to him when he was 15 in Norway and the whole world wanted to sign him. He became the player everybody expected at that time."

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Klopp had, in similar vein, revealed his admiration for Odegaard earlier that week. To the delight of Arsenal fans everywhere, Manchester United were another club who failed to sign Odegaard, on two occasions.

United's pursuit started when Odegaard was just 14. In 2013, under the management of David Moyes, they invited the prodigy to Carrington for a closer look at his potential. But despite his obvious talent, United opted to wait another year to monitor his progress - a decision that would later be regretted.

As Odegaard's star rose rapidly, he became arguably Europe's most highly-rated young prospect. At 15, he had already become Norway's youngest ever debutant, catching the eye of top clubs worldwide.

Among those chasing his signature were Bayern Munich, at the time led by Pep Guardiola, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Celtic, and even Arsenal. Former Gunners manager Arsene Wenger admitted they "fought like mad" to bring in Odegaard, who reminded him of a young Cesc Fabregas during a training session with the first team stars.

Barcelona were also interested and invited Odegaard, whose idol was Lionel Messi, to watch a home game against Cordoba in 2014. He was deemed so good that then United manager Louis van Gaal was quickly sent to Norway to meet him face-to-face.

Van Gaal's mission was to convince Odegaard that United was the ideal choice for him, but he was taken aback when the young player demanded to train with the first team from the get-go. Odegaard was eager to learn from the best immediately, but Van Gaal declined and the deal fell through.

While United have only faltered since then, Liverpool – even after Klopp's departure in the summer and Arne Slot's appointment – have gone from strength to strength. The Reds currently lead the Premier League table after eight matches, four points in front of Arsenal ahead of their pivotal Emirates Stadium clash.

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