Arsenal are reportedly in talks with club captain Martin Odegaard about his long-term future, and there are growing signs that the Norwegian midfielder could leave the Emirates to explore new opportunities this summer.
According to a prominent X source, the Gunners have already named their next leader, with Declan Rice being touted as the most likely successor to take over the armband next season.
Declan Rice likely to become Arsenal’s new captain
ITK said on social media that Arsenal have begun negotiations over Odegaard’s future and that the midfielder is keen to explore new opportunities in the summer.
With Odegaard’s future at the club uncertain, former West Ham captain Rice is said to be the one to wear the armband if the Norwegian star leaves.
The tweet read: “Arsenal are in talks with captain Martin Odegaard about his role at the club. He could leave to pursue new opportunities. Declan Rice is likely to become Arsenal’s new captain next season.”
The news comes as a significant development in Arsenal’s dressing room hierarchy.
Saka could be overlooked as captain
Bukayo Saka is now the official vice-captain and has worn the armband several times this season, showing his growing maturity.
Rice, on the other hand, is a key member of the “Leadership Group” but is currently ranked second to Saka in the official rankings.
However, if insider reports are true, it appears Arteta may prefer Rice’s established experience as club captain over Saka.
Rice, who famously captained the Hammers to European Conference League glory before moving to north London for £105m, quickly became a key part of Mikel Arteta’s project.
Despite Saka’s deep links with the club’s academy, his vocal leadership and commanding presence in the middle of the park have reportedly convinced Arsenal’s higher-ups that he is the man to lead the club into its next era.
For Saka, losing out on the permanent captaincy would be a rare setback in a career that has seen him become the face of the modern Arsenal brand.
Odegaard has been linked with summer exit
The impetus for this leadership change is the growing uncertainty surrounding Martin Odegaard.
Odegaard has been a key figure in the team since joining from Real Madrid, but rumors suggest he is ready for a new challenge.
Arsenal have reportedly set a hefty £80 million price tag for Odegaard, who is being targeted by several clubs including Inter Milan and Bayern Munich.
Barcelona have also previously expressed an interest in signing the former Madrid player.
If the captain were to leave, it would leave a huge void in both creativity and leadership, which Arteta is keen to fill as soon as possible.
