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Martin Odegaard’s Arsenal influence continues to grow, with the Norwegian now emerging as Mikel Arteta’s on-field lieutenant.

Having arrived, initially on-loan in January, the former teenage prodigy has become more and more comfortable in his new surroundings, with that progression rapidly continuing following his permanent switch in the summer window.

Arteta confirmed that the Norway national team captain quickly assumed the role of a leader after a summer recruitment drive which saw the average age of the playing squad come down.

“I think we are building some leadership in the group,” Arteta said in Septmeber. “It’s a really young group, with a lot of players under 23.

“Martin is the captain of the national team and Sambi was the captain at Anderlecht.

“Martin has this capacity to do that with his talent, taking the ball in moments where others probably refuse to, but as well with his attitude, his rhythm and the way he presses and puts people under pressure.”

And since the departure of club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubaemayng in January, Odegaard has become one of the favourites to take the armband from the start of next season.

Alexandre Lacazette is currently the Gunners skipper, but he looks destined to leave on a free, unable to come to terms on a contract extension.

The Arsenal boss revealed last month that he had been in contact with Norway manager Stale Solbakken, who gave a glowing recommendation on his compatriot's ability to