3.30pm Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Southampton defeat REACTION, Odegaard LATEST, Bertrand interest, Mat Ryan SIGNS

OD ONE OUT

Real Madrid have announced their squad for this weekend’s match against Alaves and there’s no room for Martin Odegaard.

That will come as a boost to Arsenal, who are closing in on a £2m loan deal to bring the Norwegian to the Emirates until the end of the season.

A RY SMILE

Arsenal are looking at a possible bargain deal for Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand this month.

The former Chelsea star will be available for free this summer, meaning the Saints could be keen to cash in.

Following the departure of Sead Kolasinac, Mikel Arteta has admitted he would like more competition for left-back Kieran Tierney.

DON’T RUN AWAY FOREVER

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has welcomed Mat Ryan’s arrival as deputy keeper but still believes Alex Runarsson can prove his doubters wrong.

Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Mikel Arteta surprised many by borrowing Australia star Ryan, 28, who this season has lost his regular Brighton place to Robert Sanchez.

But it was no shock Iceland keeper Runarsson has been ousted as second-choice after struggling when standing in for Bernd Leno.

In fact, the 25-year-old is tipped for a loan exit after only arriving in the summer following Emiliano Martinez’s departure to Aston Villa.

But asked if Runarrson’s Arsenal career was effectively over, Keown said: “I hope not

“He’s only a young man and he wasn’t ready for the opportunity.

“Lets hope he comes back much improved.

“(Bringing in Ryan) is a good adjustment; 49 caps for Australia, he’s coming with good experience and that’s what Arsenal need in the event that Leno gets injured at any point.”

SECOND TIER NEEDED

Mikel Arteta admitted that Arsenal are ‘short’ of left-backs and that they will ‘see what is available’ in the transfer window this month.

Kieran Tierney has made the position his own this season with consistently excellent performances.

But with understudy Sead Kolasinac having been allowed to leave the club on loan, Arteta could do with another option.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has filled in, while Bukayo Saka has also done a job despite being better deployed further forward.

Given Tierney’s injury record, however, the Gunners would be wise to look for another option.

On the matter, Arteta, 38, said: “With the departure of Kola, we are a little bit short with left-footed full-backs at the moment.

“We know we can use Ainsley there, we can use Bukayo there and we can use Cedric – who has played in that position – so we have some options.

“A natural option to Kieran? Obviously, we don’t. But we can adapt.”