Everton striker Josh King says he urged Martin Odegaard to make the move to Arsenal.
The Real Madrid-owned midfielder was named national team skipper last week, having joined the Gunners in January. And Norway teammate King admits he was quickly on the phone urging Odegaard to make the move to London as soon as he heard of Arsenal's interest.
Odegaard would eventually leave Real Madrid for the Gunners during the winter transfer window in a straight loan to the end of this season.
King told VG: "When I saw the rumour about Arsenal, I sent Martin a message 'you have to go to Arsenal'.
"I think the club suits him perfectly.
"He replied 'are you sure? Are you sure?'. I was so sure. Arsenal, their style of play and Martin… It fit well in my head."
Like Odegaard, King was also on the move in January. The Norway striker secured a move from Bournemouth to Everton, where he signed a short-term contract to June.
Odegaard, meanwhile, is proving himself a revelation at Arsenal and is being celebrated this week for his outstanding performance against West Ham United on Sunday. At London stadium, the young midfielder helped inspire Arsenal to fight back from 0-3 down to draw 3-3 on the day.
- updated March 23
