Real Madrid have been linked with a surprise move to bring Martin Ødegaard back to Spain, with a report claiming the club are at least considering whether a reunion could be possible this summer. The story has gathered traction online, but it is important to separate what’s been reported from what’s actually confirmed.
Where the story comes from
The current link stems from claims published by Fichajes, which suggests Real Madrid are monitoring Ødegaard’s situation and could view him as a market opportunity. Several outlets have since repeated the claim, amplifying the idea of a “sensational return.”
However, as things stand, there has been no official comment from either club, and the report has not been backed by major news agencies in the way genuine transfer pursuits often are. That doesn’t make the link impossible — but it does put it firmly in the speculation category for now.
Arsenal’s contract leverage makes this difficult
Any deal would start with one uncomfortable truth for Madrid: Arsenal hold a strong hand.
Ødegaard signed a new five-year contract in 2023 that keeps him at the club until the summer of 2028. He was also officially named club captain in 2022. With that contract length, Arsenal do not need to sell — meaning they can set a price that reflects both his importance and the pain of replacing a captain-level creator.
On top of that, Arsenal’s competitive position matters. They are still operating from a position of strength this season; a recent Reuters match report highlighted Arsenal’s depth and their lead at the top of the table. Clubs chasing major trophies rarely volunteer to lose a captain unless the player forces the issue and the numbers become too big to ignore.
Why Real Madrid would even think about it
From Madrid’s perspective, the appeal is easy to understand: Ødegaard is now a proven elite playmaker — a press-resistant, high-tempo passer who can dictate rhythm in big matches.
He also has an emotional “unfinished business” storyline in Madrid. The club signed him as a teenager from Strømsgodset in 2015. He even set a record as Real Madrid’s youngest La Liga debutant at the time.
A return, in theory, would bring back a player who understands the spotlight and has matured into the kind of leader Madrid typically want in midfield.
The “relationship issue” claim needs caution
Some of the coverage around this rumour has leaned heavily on the idea that Ødegaard’s relationship with Mikel Arteta is beyond repair. Those claims are doing a lot of work in pushing the narrative forward — but they are not something either side has confirmed publicly, and should be treated carefully as conjecture rather than established fact.
What we can point to from more reliable reporting is that Ødegaard has still been involved, including appearing off the bench in Arsenal’s recent win at Leeds, which Reuters framed as an example of squad depth.
What a realistic summer scenario would look like
If this story becomes real, these are the pressure points:
- Fee: With years left on the deal, Arsenal can demand a premium (especially for a captain).
- Player stance: Transfers like this usually only move when the player actively pushes.
- Madrid squad planning: Madrid would need to decide whether this is a “nice idea” or a priority signing that fits both sporting and financial planning.
- Credible confirmation: Watch for reporting from major wires or top-tier Madrid/Arsenal correspondents — that’s usually the sign a rumour is turning into a real chase.
Bottom line
Right now, the Ødegaard-to-Real Madrid link is an interesting rumour built on a single-origin claim — and the practical barriers (contract length, captaincy status, and Arsenal’s leverage) are massive. If stronger sources begin confirming contact or concrete interest, the conversation changes quickly. Until then, it’s one to file under “watchlist,” not “done deal.”