Mikel Arteta has hinted that Martin Odegaard could be Arsenal’s next permanent captain in place of Kieran Tierney.
Former Celtic defender KT was handed the captain’s armband towards the end of Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brentford.
Alexandre Lacazette was skipper for the day but Arteta revealed after the match that Tierney had moved up the pecking order.
When asked why KT received the honor instead of Swiss international Granit Xhaka, Arteta replied, “Because Kieran was next, that’s why.”
But Arteta appears to have cast doubt on who could be next in line for the role by proposing a new candidate in Norwegian midfielder Odegaard.
He said: “We had a period with him where we were able to assess what Martin could bring to the club.
“We had no doubts. The club were brilliant at securing him in a really convincing way.
“Martin was really happy to join us because he had a great time, he felt valued, he enjoyed what we do, he had a very good connection with the players and the fans.
“He wanted to be part of the project. Since then, he’s been getting better and better, and I’m not surprised.
“The way he lives his job, the way he likes to play football and everything he does is to get better.
“He still has a big margin. He probably wants it more than anyone on this court, every day. It will be top, top.
Arteta even went a step further by revealing that he spoke to Norwegian boss Stale Solbakken about the player’s credentials.
Asked if he saw Odegaar as a potential captain, the Gunners manager added: “He certainly has all the qualities to do it, absolutely.
“Talking to his national team coach and how much they talk about him. He walks down the hall and everyone loves him.
“He’s such a nice, humble guy and he leads the way he is. It’s very natural for him and it will come.
“He also generated expectations at the age of 16. Everyone wanted him. And then he had to fulfill that at a club like Madrid where the competition is the way it is.
“It’s extremely difficult but now he’s found his place. He’s really happy here, he has the environment.
“He’s got the people, he’s got the time on the pitch to take advantage of that and I think that’s what he’s doing.”
