The drama at Arsenal has already started before the first ball of the Premier League season is kicked. Former Arsenal captain and legend Tony Adams created waves by saying that Declan Rice should wear the captain’s armband instead of Martin Odegaard.
Adams, who lifted ten major trophies during his time at Arsenal, suggested that the England midfielder Rice has the qualities to lead the team. His comments immediately sparked debate among fans and pundits.
But manager Mikel Arteta has now stepped in to calm the situation. He confirmed that Martin Odegaard will remain the captain of Arsenal this season. And it wasn’t just his decision, the dressing room made their voice heard.
Arteta revealed that the players voted overwhelmingly for Odegaard. “By a mile away, by a big, big 100 miles, everybody was choosing the same person: Martin Odegaard,” Arteta said. “That’s the clearest sign you can get.”
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For Arteta, leadership is about how the players feel. He explained that every year he lets his squad vote for the captain. This gives him valuable insight into the personalities and leadership roles inside the team.
“Leadership can mean different things to different people,” Arteta continued. “But the most important question is: who do you want to represent you? Who do you trust when things get tough? The answer was clear: Martin Odegaard.”
The Norwegian playmaker, who Arteta first appointed as captain three years ago, is admired by teammates not only for his skills but also for his character. According to Arteta, Odegaard doesn’t need to shout to be respected.
“Martin has hundreds of qualities,” said Arteta. “The biggest one is that he doesn’t need to open his mouth to earn respect. Everyone looks at him and says: ‘That’s my captain. I trust him 100 percent.’”
This response by Arteta has put an end to fears of a rift between the club’s legends and the current management. Instead of a fight between Adams and Arteta, Arsenal now shows unity before a massive season ahead.
While the captaincy question is settled, Arsenal fans are also excited about their new striker Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish forward, who cost £64 million, is expected to debut against Manchester United.
Many fans thought United would sign Gyokeres after their disastrous season, but Arsenal moved quickly to secure his signature. Arteta is convinced that Gyokeres is ready to shine.
“Arsenal is the perfect stage for him to show what he can do,” Arteta said. “We had him on our radar for a long time, and now was the right moment.”
Gyokeres has had an unusual journey. At Brighton, he barely played. Then he moved to Coventry, where he became one of the most feared strikers in the Championship. After proving himself in Portugal, Arsenal made their move.
Arteta believes that Gyokeres’ early struggles made him stronger. “His time at Brighton was very important,” Arteta said. “He learned about the culture, the physicality, the referees, the passion. Those experiences shaped him.”
The Arsenal boss described Gyokeres as a confident and determined player. “When you see his body language, the way he talks, the way he carries himself, you know he believes he belongs here,” Arteta explained.
For Arsenal, Gyokeres could be the missing piece. A reliable goal scorer is what fans have been asking for, and now the team hopes the Swede will deliver.
As the Gunners prepare to face Manchester United at Old Trafford, all eyes will be on two men: Odegaard, leading the team as captain, and Gyokeres, trying to announce himself on the biggest stage.
The clash with United is more than just a game. It’s a test of Arsenal’s belief, unity, and ambition. With Odegaard’s leadership confirmed and Gyokeres ready to fire, Arteta believes his team is stronger than ever.
The season is only beginning, but Arsenal already looks like a team with focus and confidence. And Arteta’s calm response to Adams’ comments may have strengthened the unity inside the club.
Now, the big question remains: will this be the year Arsenal finally end their five-year wait for a major trophy?
