Martin Odegaard says he’ll be happy to take on the permanent Arsenal captaincy if Mikel Arteta gives him the opportunity.

Martin Odegaard wearing the captain's armband for Arsenal (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
Martin Odegaard wearing the captain’s armband for Arsenal (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)

Arsenal are still yet to name a new permanent captain following Alexandre Lacazette’s departure, but Martin Odegaard is the clear frontrunner at the moment.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s next pre-season friendly against Chelsea, Odegaard responded to questions on the possibility he could be the next club captain.

“I always enjoy responsibility,” Odegaard said. “I’m captain for my country and it’s a nice experience, so I enjoy that.

“I don’t know anything about the situation here, I think that question is for Mikel and the club, but if he asked me of course I would be happy to do it.”

Odegaard wore the armband in a strong starting lineup against Everton and took it on again when he came off the bench against Orlando City, so the signs certainly look good.

The likes of Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Magalhaes were among the potential candidates for the position, but both started against Everton and Odegaard got the armband anyway.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on January 23, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on January 23, 2022. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / Getty Images)

Various rumours have suggested Odegaard is set to be given the captaincy on a permanent basis, and each game is just adding further evidence to the claims.