Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta won't shut down talk of a move for Real Madrid attacker Martin Odegaard.

The Daily Mail says Gunners technical director Edu began negotiations last week for the 22-year-old, but Arsenal face stern competition from Real Sociedad and Sevilla.

Odegaard is keen to leave during the January window to gain more minutes but Arteta would not be drawn on whether he could end up in north London.

"I cannot comment about players that play for different clubs," he said.

Arteta admitted he is looking for reinforcements but said this unique period made the club "cautious" and "careful" in their transfer business.

"We are looking at various positions because the movement we made in this transfer window with some players leaving the club leaves us a little bit short in certain areas. If we can we will do it, if we can't, we'll just keep going with what we have," he said.