Mikel Arteta makes "Lionel Messi level" claim over Martin Odegaard

Mikel Arteta has talked about Arsenal newcomer Martin Odegaard and made a claim over the youngster reaching "Lionel Messi level." The 22-year-old moved to north London on loan from Real Madrid until the summer. When speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta was asked whether Odegaard can reach Messi's level, to which he replied: "I wouldn't even suggest anyone could get close to [Messi] because it's a lost battle, in my opinion. "Martin is Martin and I think in the last few seasons he's progressed and developed in the right way. He's a such a talent. "He needs the right environment, he needs a little bit of time but I think he's got the qualities to be a success for us." Arsenal are set to play on Saturday, as they will face Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. Source- football.london Join us on Telegram!

Press conference: Mikel Arteta on Manchester United, Odegaard, Aubameyang and more