Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dismissed calls for Martin Odegaard to be replaced as captain, insisting there is “no question” the Norway midfielder is the right man to lead the club’s Premier League title challenge.
Former Arsenal skipper Tony Adams recently suggested giving the armband to England midfielder Declan Rice, but Arteta said the decision had already been made by the players themselves.
“My opinion is clear, and it’s not just my opinion. It’s all the staff and especially the players,” Arteta told reporters on Friday. “I asked them to vote for the captain and I got the results yesterday. By a mile, by a big, big (margin), by 100 miles, everybody chose the same person, Martin Odegaard, which is the most clear sign that you can have.”
Arsenal, runners-up in the last three Premier League seasons, have not lifted the English title since 2004. Their struggles to maintain momentum in the title race have led to questions about the squad’s mental strength, with Odegaard among those criticised.
Adams, quoted in the Irish Independent, argued that Rice’s consistency and leadership could take the team “to the next level,” but Arteta said leadership is about trust within the squad.
“What matters the most is how these guys feel about who needs to lead them, how they feel comfortable, who is going to push them, who is going to give them support when it’s happening,” he said.
Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign away to Manchester United on Sunday, followed by a home fixture against Leeds before a challenging run that includes Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, and Newcastle.
Arteta said the early fixtures will be a good test of their title credentials, adding that summer signings Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi are fit to feature at Old Trafford.
