Martin Odegaard makes Arsenal captaincy claim as Mikel Arteta aims to break club 'curse'

Premier League Top Four Race Reaction | Antonio Conte, Ralf Rangnick, Mikel Arteta & David Moyes

Arsenal Striker 'Target' Impresses As Haaland & Mbappe Comparsions Drawn

Mikel Arteta Extremely Happy After Arsenal Defeat Chelsea

Thomas Tuchel bizarrely blames Chelsea's pitch for Arsenal defeat

Mikel Arteta full of praise for Eddie Nketiah and Mohamad Elneny following Chelsea win

Mikel Arteta gives an injury update ahead of Chelsea v Arsenal

Thomas Tuchel can 'understand' irate fan after heated exchange with Cesar Azpilicueta

Chelsea 2-4 Arsenal - Match in Pictures (Arsenal Version)

Martin Odegaard believes he is ready to become Arsenal's next permanent captain.

The Norwegian has played an integral role for the Gunners this season as he aims to be part of the first Arsenal side to qualify for the Champions League since the 2015/16 season. But amid a number of sensational individual performances, he's also stepped up into a position of leadership on and off the field.

Although being captain brings a certain amount of added pressure, Odegaard insists he is relishing the challenge of being one of Arsenal's foremost leaders: "It's big, of course, but it does not change much. I feel like I'm doing the same things," he told tv2sport.

Arsenal injury news and expected return dates vs Manchester United: Tomiyasu, Partey, Lacazette

"There are more people around who think about it. But it is a great recognition and a great declaration of trust. I take that as a big compliment, but beyond that I do the same as always."

He continued by explaining that he was surprised by how quickly he was given the armband. The midfielder only signed for the Gunners on a permanent contract last summer in a deal worth £35million, thus the captaincy