Wenger was 'DESPERATE' to sign Odegaard in 2014 before he chose Real Madrid

Arsene Wenger has admitted he was 'desperate' to sign Martin Odegaard for Arsenal in 2014 before the Norwegian playmaker joined Real Madrid.

The now Gunners captain has played a vital role for Mikel Arteta's side so far this campaign, helping the north London club carve out a seven-point lead at the summit of the Premier League after Saturday's 4-2 win against Brighton.

Odegaard left Real Madrid to join Arsenal in 2021 and has since chalked up 81 appearances for the club.

Wenger, who watched Arsenal on Boxing Day for the first time since his departure in 2018, admitted he was 'super impressed' by the midfielder.

The former Gunners boss also confessed it was difficult seeing Odegaard join the Spanish giants when he was a teenager, having tried his utmost to sign him.

'That was hard. When he was 15, I talked to him. I actually spoke to Martin about it after the game now on Boxing Day,' Wenger told Norwegian outlet TV 2.

'I was desperate to sign him. Fortunately, he is here now. He really is like a young Cesc Fabregas. I think he has developed into a complete player.

He added: 'He is a very calm player who analyses the game well. He has his feet firmly planted on the ground. I don't really want to say exactly what I talked to Martin about.

'I am super impressed. He really is a down-to-earth and nice boy. The way he analyses the game. He also did that as a 15-year-old... the sharpness!

'I am really impressed. He will do well. He makes decisions quickly, and always optimally. It is remarkable! I like him and the way he makes football look so easy.

'He has developed very well. It's really amazing. His decisions, he is also a leader in the team. You see that Norway is now getting more top-class players, and I hope they can do well internationally in the years to come.'

Wenger watched the skipper pull the strings in midfield against West Ham and chalk up two crucial assists in the second half to inspire Arsenal's 3-1 victory.

But the Frenchman admitted that he was once worried about Odegaard's future, towards the end of his Real Madrid career in particular.

The 24-year-old, who struggled for regular game time at the Bernabeu, went on to complete loan spells at Heerenveen, Vitesse, Real Sociedad and Arsenal before joining the Gunners permanently in August 2021.

'I was worried about Martin,' Wenger continued. 'I think he lost a bit of his creative attitude. Creativity stagnated.

'After he came to Arsenal, he has found his creativity back. He plays amazingly well and masters everything in the game. He is complete. I like him in every way in the game. Defensive and offensive.'