Mikel Arteta urged to take the captaincy off Martin Odegaard by Arsenal legend

Arsenal should replace their current captain as they boast a 'leader' in the team, according to club legend Emmanuel Petit.

Martin Odegaard was named Arsenal captain ahead of the 2022/23 season,

The 25-year-old still wears the captain's armband, but Mikel Arteta has been urged to give the responsibility to another player in his squad.

Petit, who enjoyed three seasons at Arsenal, believes Declan Rice should be named captain as he hailed his characteristics and his performance against Liverpool last weekend.

The Gunners beat Liverpool 3-1 last Sunday to close the gap on their rivals to just two points.

And Petit reckons they won the game because of the midfield, where Rice starred alongside Jorginho.

"Arsenal won the game because of the midfield," he said.

"It was the key to the performance, and they dominated the midfield physically, technically and tactically.

"Jorginho and Rice were both absolutely brilliant."

Declan Rice celebrates Arsenal's victory over Liverpool. Image: Getty

Rice, who has been called the Premier League player of the season so far, has wasted no time to settle in at Arsenal, producing dominant displays in the middle of the park since his £105 million transfer from West Ham United last summer.

And Petit thinks the England international should be made the new skipper at Arsenal, showering him with glowing praise.

"He should be Arsenal captain for me," he added.

"He has such a brilliant character, and he is a leader.

"He has something different to the rest of the players and is so influential in big games."

The 25-year-old is no stranger to captaining his side, having skippered West Ham last season - captaining the Hammers to a major trophy as they won the Europa Conference League.

Since moving to the Emirates, he has played 23 league games, scoring three goals - including vital strikes against Manchester United and Luton Town.