EXCLUSIVE: Martin Odegaard Set To Receive Arsenal Captaincy

Martin Odegaard is set to be given the Arsenal captaincy, afcstuff understands.

The Norwegian has been instrumental for Mikel Arteta's side since his arrival on a permanent deal last summer.

The Arsenal captain's armband has been without an official owner for some time now.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the last man to wear it officially.

The Gabon international was stripped of the captaincy after repeated disciplinary breaches and soon after left for Barcelona.

Alex Lacazette was the next man in line to wear it, but a host of players shared the burden.

One of those being Martin Odegaard, who wore it multiple times towards the end of the season.

The Arsenal armband has not had a great recent history, with Granit Xhaka also being stripped of it before Aubameyang.

The Swiss midfielder was forced to relinquish his duties, after a dramatic falling out with the fans.

Arsenal will be hoping Odegaard can offset that trend.

The decision should be announced officially very soon with all players returning to training today, afcstuff understands.

Odegaard is still young at just 23 years old, but is very experienced in the game.

The midfielder has made over 180 appearances in first tier leagues, and has 43 appearances for Norway.

His talent was massive and his rise was incredibly fast.

Signing for Real Madrid at the age of just 16 and making his debut for Norway even earlier than that. At just 15.

In 2021, he was made captain of Norway at just 22.

He struggled in Madrid, multiple loans eventually bringing him to Arsenal on loan in January of last year.

The midfielder fell in love with the Gunners and he was signed permanently in the summer.

Arsenal fans will likely accept this news with open arms. Odegaard has made himself a fan favourite and was superb last season.

The midfielder oozes class on the ball but is tireless out of possession too.

He has become almost a mouth-piece for Arteta, always seen talking to the Spaniard during breaks.

He is expected to take another stride forward for Arsenal next season, and there is no doubt the captaincy will only greaten his effect on the pitch and off it.