has spoken out on the possibility of becoming Arsenal’s next permanent captain after wearing the armband against .
With current skipper starting 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 spell from in January 2021, and that deal was made permanent last summer.
The midfielder has impressed on the pitch, while .
Odegaard has described wearing the armband as a ‘great declaration of trust’, while he has suggested he is prepared to 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. ‘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 ’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 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.
‘He was the big star in Arsenal when I grew up. I really looked up to him and the way he played. I tried to learn and saw many clips. It’s cool that he’s following me.’
, .
, and .
