Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Must Be Perfect Hosts to Martin Odegaard

The transfer saga surrounding Martin Odegaard is quickly taking on ridiculous proportions, and with Arsenal next in line to host the wunderkind, the Gunners have a unique opportunity to jump ahead of the queue.

The 15-year-old Norway international spent the past week training with Liverpool and will now do the same at the Emirates, according to the Daily Mail's Rob Draper. The objective seems simple: find which team suits his development best and where he most enjoys playing.

According to Marca's Jose Felix Diaz, that's Real Madrid, who are "sure the Norwegian is in the bag." The Daily Mirror's Neil Moxley knows Ajax are the clear favourites, promising the youngster immediate first-team football. AS seem convinced he'll join Liverpool.

The amount of opinions and "inside rumours" are ridiculous, but with the midfielder's 16th birthday just around the corner, they're understandable. On December 17, he'll be free to sign his first professional contract, and everyone wants to know where the most hyped youngster on the planet will end up playing.

His rise to the top has been a swift one, and as a result, fans aren't sure what to make of him. Combined with the incredible hype, the Daily Mirror's Nooruddean Choudry perhaps best summarised what social media has looked like in the past few days:

Only one party has been particularly quiet throughout the ordeal: Odegaard himself, and the people helping him make his decision. Of those people, his father appears to be the one with the biggest impact on potential negotiations, as Hans Erik Odegaard is a former professional player himself and currently works in football.

All we've heard so far in the past weeks are secondhand quotes and players praising his abilities in training, like Liverpool's Kolo Toure:

The Odegaards have done a fantastic job shielding their son from the media and all of the attention throughout his young career; there's little doubt they'll make the right decision regarding his future as well.

The best opportunity the club has of convincing the teenager and his family presents itself right now: Arsenal must make a lasting impression that will trump whatever Liverpool or any of the other suitors can muster.

Odegaard is a special talent. Some fans may question the hype, but there's a reason Liverpool and Arsenal are hosting him and that seemingly every club in the world is vying for his signature. You don't become a full Norwegian international before your 16th birthday for nothing.

Top talents and their families often pick the biggest clubs and fattest paychecks, but that doesn't appear to be the case with Odegaard, whose sole ambitions right now appear to be on the pitch.

The Gunners have a solid reputation for youth development and aren't afraid to play their youngsters if they believe they're ready. Along with Ajax, Arsenal likely present the most appealing destination when it comes to the midfielders' progression as a player.

In signing his first professional contract, Odegaard won't demand much of an investment in terms of transfer fee, with his current club likely only demanding a small sum for his training in the past. How often do teams have the chance at an absolutely top talent for next to nothing?

Arsenal have one chance to convince the player and his entourage the Emirates should be his next home. With the chance to sign arguably the most exciting young player in the world, they better pull out all the stops.

Follow @ReverschPass