Martin Odegaard has a return to Real Madrid firmly on his mind despite shining and enjoying regular game time at Arsenal on loan, according to reports.
The Norway captain has won plenty of plaudits since moving to the Gunners for his all-round displays and brilliant ability to link up play in attack - with his performance in the thrilling 3-3 draw at West Ham his best to date.
But Arsenal's hopes of landing Odegaard on a permanent deal beyond the season look to have taken a huge blow as Madrid are said to 'not even be contemplating' a permanent sale of the midfielder - according to Marca.
The report claims that the Spanish giants still view the No 10 as a fundamental part of their team in the future, despite his lack of game time in the capital.
And in a further blow to the Gunners, Odegaard is reportedly still determined to succeed at Madrid.
However before returning, Odegaard wants clarity over the managerial situation and who will be in the dugout in the summer with question marks over the future of Zinedine Zidane.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has struggled to win the trust of Zidane, and has found game time hard to come by - having been sent out on loan numerous times.
Odegaard wants answers on what the Madrid manager wants from him going forward and what role he would play in the side, if any.
But for now, Odegaard - who is very happy at Arsenal after enjoying regular minutes - is desperate to end the season on a high with the Gunners before making any concrete decision over his future.
Despite a turbulent season in north London, Arsenal are still in contention to win the Europa League which would offer them a route into the Champions League next term.
The Gunners face Slavia Prague in the quarter-finals, and could potentially take on Premier League foes Manchester United in the final after being kept away from each other in the draw.
Mikel Arteta will be looking to Odegaard to play a key role between now and the end of the season.
Arsenal were however given an injury scare on Wednesday after Odegaard went off injured during Norway's World Cup qualifier over Gibraltar - having twisted his ankle earlier in the first half.
But Norway's manager revealed after the game that Odegaard should recover in time to face Turkey on Saturday.
'I have a big hope that Martin will be fit for the game against Turkey on Saturday. Not a serious injury,' Stale Solbakken said.
Odegaard himself also eased the Gunners' concerns, adding: 'I twisted my ankle, but I think I will be fit for the game against Turkey.'