🚨 NEW: Vinícius Jr.’s camp explained to Arsenal that they were turning down their offer because of the players AFFECTION for Real Madrid, and the financial effort shown by Real Madrid.
They expressed gratitude for Arsenal’s treatment of the player. @MarioCortegana
⚡️Inside Vinicius’s Real Madrid renewal
➕JAS & Calafat leading key meeting at a restaurant
➕New contract worth above €22m
➕Pact to keep exact figures private
➕Player genuinely keen on Arsenal after months of talks with tje club & Arteta
@TheAthleticFC
https://t.co/DJdq0o9h7X
Martin Odegaard played 30 minutes in Arsenal’s 3-2 pre-season defeat against Borussia Dortmund — customary for returning players this summer — but impressed nevertheless.
At a time when Arsenal were not free-flowing, he was the one player threading passes in behind the Dortmund defence for Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres and Max Dowman to chase.
Secure in possession when necessary, the 28-year-old looked like the Odegaard who lit up the World Cup with Norway. His role in this season’s Arsenal midfield was always going to be of particular interest. Would he be used as a No 10, combining with Eberechi Eze like in the run-in, or would he return to a deeper, all-action role that got more out of him at the World Cup.
More game time with returning players and new arrivals will be needed to truly assess that, but Arsenal’s captain looks in good shape.
📝 @ArtdeRoche
https://t.co/Dnb0xKKb2a