Arsenal urged to strip captaincy from Martin Odegaard after 'six out of 10 season' and hand armband to Gunners midfielder instead

Arsenal fans feared the worst when Odegaard suffered an ankle injury early in the season but upon his return in October, the 26-year-old has not hit the heights of previous campaigns. As a result, ex-defender Lawrenson thinks Gunners star Declan Rice should take his place as captain.

He told Paddy Power: “The captain’s armband should be taken away from Martin Ødegaard, so he can get back to focusing on his performances. We all know that he’s a good player, but he’s just had a six out of 10 season. If you gave Declan Rice the armband instead, you imagine that it wouldn’t affect his performances, especially considering he was captain at West Ham. I’d give it to Rice so Ødegaard can focus on improving his performances.”

Odegaard has still scored five goals and bagged 10 assists this season, but that is some way below his 23-goal contribution haul from last term. Conversely, Rice - who has particularly excelled in the Champions League - is in the form of his life, and perhaps there is an argument that he should be Arsenal's next skipper.

Odegaard could feature for Arsenal as they return to Premier League action on Saturday at home to Bournemouth.