Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal legend Tony Adams has sparked heated debate among supporters after calling on Mikel Arteta to strip Martin Odegaard of the club captaincy and hand the armband to Declan Rice in a bid to end the Gunners’ Premier League title drought.
The former skipper, who led Arsenal to four league titles during his 14-year reign as captain, made the comments during an appearance on Indo Sport Football. His remarks quickly went viral, dividing opinion among the fanbase.
“Arteta has got a really big call to make this year, and for me, he hasn’t done it,” Adams said. “The call is to make Declan Rice the captain. I think Declan is my kind of captain, and it might free Odegaard up to play with a bit more freedom.”
Adams praised Odegaard’s technical ability, describing him as a “lovely footballer,” but claimed the Norwegian lacks the “steel” needed to push Arsenal past title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool. By contrast, he believes Rice embodies the leadership qualities Arsenal need.
Tony Adams wants Mikel Arteta to name Declan Rice as new Arsenal captain (Image credit: Getty Images)
“Declan Rice could mirror or surpass Arteta’s own ideals as a leader,” Adams added, highlighting the England midfielder’s consistency, grit, and influence in the dressing room.
Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham in 2023 for a club-record £105 million and has since become a key figure, delivering standout performances in high-pressure matches. Odegaard, 26, has captained the Gunners since July 2022, leading them to back-to-back second-place finishes in the Premier League.
Adams’ comments have divided opinion online. Supporters backing the change hailed Rice as the “correct captain,” while others defended Odegaard’s leadership, pointing to his role as Norway’s national team captain and the respect he commands within the squad.
Arteta, who captained Arsenal during his playing career, has yet to respond publicly. The Spaniard has consistently praised Odegaard’s maturity and vision, and with Arsenal set to face Manchester United in their season opener this weekend, he faces renewed scrutiny to deliver silverware after three near-misses.