Martin Odegaard speaks out on Arsenal captaincy and responds to Cesc Fabregas praise

Martin Odegaard has spoken out on the possibility of becoming Arsenal’s next permanent captain after wearing the armband against Chelsea.

With current skipper Alexandre Lacazette on the bench for the 4-2 victory away at Stamford Bridge in midweek, Odegaard was given the responsibility.

The Norway international first joined the Gunners on a loan deal from Real Madrid in January 2021, and that deal was made permanent last summer.

The midfielder has impressed on the pitch, while Mikel Arteta has consistently talked up his leadership abilities.

Odegaard has described wearing the armband as a ‘great declaration of trust’, while he has suggested he is prepared to step up and take on the role permanently.

‘It’s big, of course, but it does not change much. I feel like I’m doing the same things,’ Odegaard told tv2. ‘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.

‘I’ve only been here a little over a year, so I did not think so. But everything has gone very well from the start, I quickly got into it and slipped into the environment, the group and the team. Everything has gone faster than I expected.’

When asked if he’s ready to become Arsenal’s next permanent captain, Odegaard replied: ‘If it is desirable, then of course I will ask, but that is not my focus at all. It’s about to finish the season, get to the Champions League and take it from there and see what happens next season.’

Odegaard has also responded to praise from Arsenal hero Cesc Fabregas, who labelled the midfielder and Bukayo Saka as the ‘present and future’ of the club.

‘It was cool when he posted a little thing,’ Odegaard said.