‘Humble’ Martin Odegaard could be Arsenal’s next long-term captain, suggests Arteta after picking his Norwegian boss’s brain

ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has hinted Martin Odegaard could be the club’s next permanent captain following talks with Norwegian manager Stale Solbakken.

The 23-year-old, who is the captain of his national team, has starred in Gunners 2-1 win over Brentford at Emirates on Saturday.

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Fans were left raving about his performance, while supporters were left in awe after he knocked out Rico Henry with a masterful skill.

Odegaard has been a huge hit with Arsenal faithful since joining Real Madrid on loan in January 2020, before he signed on a deal that rose to £34m last summer.

And playerwho has scored four goals and many assists in 25 games in all competitions this term, is an option to be the next captain.

Alexandre Lacazette is currently the captain of Arsenalbut with his contract set to expire in the summer, Arteta has been pondering who will take over from him.

The Spaniard revealed after his win over Ong that he had spoken to Solbakken about his leadership credentials.

When asked if he views Odegaard as a captain, Arteta “He definitely has all the qualities to do it, absolutely.

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“Talk to his national team coach and how much they appreciate him. He walks through the hallways and everyone loves him.

“He’s a nice, humble guy and he always leads his way. It’s very natural for him and it will come.

“He also created expectations at the age of 16. Everyone wanted him. And then he has to fulfill it at a club like Madrid, where there is competition like today.

“It was extremely difficult but now he has found his place. Here he is really happy, there is an environment.

“He’s got people, he’s got time on the pitch to enjoy that and I think that’s what he’s doing.”

Commenting on his signing, Arteta added: “We have no doubts. The club have been outstanding to secure him in a really convincing way.

“Martin is really happy to join us because he had a really good time, he feels appreciated, he likes what we’re doing, he’s connected. Really good relationship with the players and supporters.

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“He wanted to be a part of the project. Since then he’s gotten better and better, and I’m not surprised.

“The way he lives his career, the way he enjoys playing football and everything he does is to get better.

“He still has a big margin. He wants that probably more than anyone else on that pitch, every day. He’s going to be top, top.”

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