Lauren has labeled the Norway international as an “absolutely brilliant” player who he thinks will thrive in England.
Arsenal confirmed the signing of Odegaard on loan from La Liga giants Real Madrid for the rest of the season earlier this week.
The Gunners do not have the option to make Odegaard’s move permanent at the end of the season, but it is understood that both clubs could decide on the best way for the 22-year-old.
Lauren, who won two Premier League titles during his seven-year stay in Arsenal, has admitted he would love to see Odegaard becomes a permanent player for the North Londoners.
“Absolutely,” the 44-year-old told Goal during an exclusive interview.
“Odegaard is a fantastic player. I always say that a youngster needs six or seven consecutive games in order to show what he is about.
“Odegaard couldn’t do it at Real Madrid, but he had to replace Modric - who has been the best player in the last few years and there is no patience at Madrid.
“He played just two games [at the start of the season] and you can’t express yourself in two games.
“But the fact he is coming to Arsenal and he is the type of player that [Mikel] Arteta likes, I’m sure he is going to give him those games to express himself and we will see a real talent because he is an absolutely brilliant player.”
He added: “I was watching him when he was at Sociedad and he was just absolutely brilliant.
“If he gets to the level that we saw last season with Sociedad, he will provide a lot of great things.
“He’s got everything, a player who can take the game from the opposition. He’s proven that in La Liga, which is not easy to do.”
