Former wonderkid Martin Odegaard was wanted by David Moyes at West Ham but now looks set to join Arsenal

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Former football wonderkid Martin Odegaard was wanted at West Ham United by David Moyes but now looks set to join Arsenal.

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The Norwegian sensation was tipped for big things when he became Real Madrid and Norway’s youngest ever player aged just 15.

The midfielder – now 22 – has struggled to establish himself at Real, though, making just seven first team appearances in the six years since.

Odegaard has been shipped out on a series of loans, most recently to Real Sociedad – the former club of West Ham boss Moyes.

West Ham heavily linked with Odegaard over the years and Moyes reportedly wanted wonderkid in first spell

Ironically West Ham have been linked with Odegaard on a couple of occasions over the years (The Sun, ESPN and Sky Italia).

And during Moyes’s first spell at West Ham, the Scot was also reportedly very keen to bring him to east London (Sports Mole).

“Odegaard is still waiting to make his breakthrough at the Bernabeu, however, and could be sent out on loan this season to gain some further playing time,” Sports Mole reported when Moyes was West Ham boss first time around.

“Squawka reports that the attacking midfielder has selected East London as his preferred destination, with another interested party in Liverpool unwilling to pay his £80,000-a-week wages.”

Striker a priority but Hammers do need another central midfielder

West Ham desperately need more cover in central midfield.

Moyes has been left with only ageing captain Mark Noble as back-up for ever-presents Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice.

While Moyes’s key focus is on signing a striker, Odegaard’s apparent availability on loan could have been a good fit for the Hammers.

But reports last night claim he is on the verge of a loan move to London rivals Arsenal instead (The Sun).

Former Hammers target now set for London rivals Arsenal claim reports

The Gunners will not have the option to make Odegaard’s move permanent according to The Sun.

West Ham are above Arsenal in the Premier League at the halfway stage following their best start to a top flight season since 1986.

And Moyes’s side are eyeing a potential European spot.

But until they get there, the likes of Arsenal will more often than not pip them to landing stellar young stars such as Odegaard.

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