wicked.football

Mikel Arteta has seemingly settled on the man due to become the new Arsenal captain – with the Gunners boss purring over the young star’s qualities.

The captaincy at Arsenal has become something of a poisoned chalice in recent seasons. Indeed, their most recent recipient, Pierre-Emerick Aubayemang, was ostricised from the club and moved on to Barcelona. And issues or departures for the likes of Granit Xhaka, Laurent Koscielny and Robin van Persie have also emerged in recent years.

Arteta has turned to Alexandre Lacazette as a temporary captain in recent weeks. The 30-year-old striker is the most senior player at Arsenal these days. However, with his future also uncertain, he perhaps does not represent the best choice.

However, it seems a decision over a new captain is close – and Arteta looks ready to turn to Martin Odegaard.

The 23-year-old would be a slightly controversial choice given his tender years.

The Norwegian, though, has become an increasingly influential figure at Arsenal. He signed on an initial loan from Real Madrid last season, before making the move permanent back in August.

Since then though, he’s become a vital cog in the Arteta machine, scoring four goals and assisting four more this season. Indeed, Odegaard impressed again on Saturday as Brentford were beaten 2-1 to keep their top-four push on course.

Arteta a huge admirer of Martin Odegaard

And Arteta is clearly aware of what Odegaard brings to the side.

“We had a period with him where we could evaluate what Martin could bring to the club,” Arteta said, via the Daily Mail.

“We had no doubts. The club was brilliant to secure him in a really convincing way. Martin was really happy to join us because he had a really good time, he felt valued, he enjoyed what we are doing, he got a really good connection with the players and the supporters.

“He wanted to be part of the project. Since then he is getting better and better, and I am not surprised.

“The way he lives his profession, the way he likes to play football and everything he does is to become better.

“He has still a big margin. He wants it probably more than anyone else on that pitch, every single day. Martin will be top, top.”

As such, talk that he will become new Arsenal captain is gathering pace.

Odegaard credentials to become new Arsenal captain

Odegaard is also the captain of his national side and Arteta admits to speaking to Norway boss Stale Solbakken about his credentials.

“He certainly has all the qualities to do that, absolutely,” Arteta replied when asked if he saw Odegaard as a potential captain.

“Talking to his national team coach and how highly they speak of him. He walks through the corridor and everybody loves him.

“He is such a nice, humble guy and he leads with the way he is. It is very natural for him and that will come.

“He generated expectations when he was 16 as well. Everybody wanted him. And then he had to fulfil that in a club like Madrid where the competition is like it is.

“It is extremely difficult but now he has found his place. He is really happy here, he has the environment.

“He has the people, he has the time on the pitch to enjoy it and I think that is what he is doing.”

READ MORE: Achievable price tag set as Arsenal rival Chelsea, Tottenham for Bundesliga star

The post ‘Everybody loves him’ – Arteta names qualities of young star set to become new Arsenal captain appeared first on TEAMtalk.