Liverpool and Arsenal battling it out with Real Madrid for 'next Martin Odegaard'

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCEirik Granaas is making waves in the Norwegian top flight after becoming the youngest player in the league's history last year, taking a record previously held by Martin OdegaardThere's a new Norwegian wonderkind emerging after the Martin Odegaard saga in 2015(Image: 2026 DeFodi Images)Liverpool and Arsenal are said to be battling it out with Real Madrid to sign 'the next Martin Odegaard'.Chelsea and Newcastle are also rumored to be in the race to land Eirik Granaas, who is making a name for himself for Fredrikstad FK in Norway despite being just 16 years old.Eleven years ago, the now Arsenal captain Odegaard found himself in a similar situation, as the biggest clubs in the world battled it out for his signature. Real Madrid eventually won that battle, and TEAMtalk reports that Los Blancos are also looking into the possibility of landing Granaas.READ MORE: Arne Slot says the quiet part out loud about Alexander Isak's Liverpool strugglesREAD MORE: Arne Slot offers curious response to question over 'harsh' fan criticismGranaas made his debut for Fredrikstad last year shortly after his 15th birthday, becoming the youngest player in Norwegian league history – beating a record that was previously held by Odegaard.The pair's shared nationality is obviously a big reason behind him being dubbed the next Odegaard, and whichever club ends up signing him would be happy if he went on to have the career that Odegaard has had.The 27-year-old ultimately did not make the grade at Real Madrid but has been an excellent signing for Arsenal since his move to the Emirates Stadium in 2021.Content cannot be displayed without consentOdegaard was already the Norway captain when he joined Arsenal, and after a year in North London he was also appointed club captain.Obviously, Granaas has some way to go to match Odegaard's achievements, and it will be important for him to make the right decision when choosing the club that he wants to continue to develop his career at.Liverpool and Chelsea both have strong records when it comes to recruiting emerging young talent.READ MORE: Liverpool's forgotten man was tipped by Jamie Carragher to be Mohamed Salah replacementREAD MORE: Arne Slot issues Mohamed Salah update after Liverpool confirmed injury statusNewcastle is also determined to compete for players of Granaas' caliber going forward as it looks to prove itself as a major force in the game, while a move to Arsenal would see Granaas unite with compatriot Odegaard at club level.In mainland Europe – as well as Real Madrid – Bundesliga pair Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are also said to be keen on the youngster.Whichever club he chooses, due to FIFA regulations regarding the international transfer of minors, even if a deal were to be agreed this summer, Granaas would not be able to officially move clubs until 2028.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCReal Madrid CFTransfers