Arsenal legend urges Arteta to strip Odegaard of captaincy in favor of another player

Arsenal legend Tony Adams has issued a bold call to Mikel Arteta, urging the Gunners boss to make a major leadership change if the club is serious about finally winning the Premier League. According to Adams, Martin Ødegaard should be relieved of the captain’s armband, with Declan Rice taking over the role.

For three straight seasons, Arsenal have finished as runners-up in the Premier League. Twice, they fell just short against the relentless Manchester City, and last season they were edged out by a resurgent Liverpool side. Despite coming so close, the Emirates Stadium faithful are still waiting for their first league title since 2004 — and Adams believes a captaincy change could be the missing spark.

Ødegaard was handed the armband ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, taking over after the departures of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Norwegian has since been a consistent performer and a respected figure in the dressing room. However, Adams argues that while Ødegaard is talented, he lacks the commanding presence required to lead Arsenal to the title.

Instead, the former England and Arsenal skipper believes Declan Rice embodies the leadership qualities needed. “Arteta has got a really big call to make this year, and for me, he hasn’t done it,” Adams told reporters. “The call is to make Declan Rice the captain. Declan is my kind of captain, and it might even free Ødegaard to play with more freedom and less responsibility.”

Adams went on to explain that sometimes managers must select a leader who mirrors the identity of both the coach and the football club. In his view, Rice is not only a more natural leader but also someone whose presence on the pitch will demand the highest standards from his teammates. “Every now and again as a manager, you have to put someone in there who reflects you, reflects the club, and can take you to the next level,” he said.

When pressed on whether Rice truly reflects Arteta’s footballing values, Adams was emphatic: “I think he’s better than Arteta.” He further insisted that Arsenal would not win the league with Ødegaard as captain, stressing that Rice’s consistency, vocal presence, and competitive mentality make him the right man for the job.

“You’ve got someone who’s going to play every single game all season, someone who will encourage players, inspire belief, and lay the foundations of a title-winning team,” Adams continued. “Declan Rice can do that. Ødegaard can’t.”

Rice, who joined Arsenal in a record-breaking transfer from West Ham United in 2023, has already established himself as one of the Premier League’s top midfielders. Known for his relentless work rate, tactical intelligence, and ability to lead by example, Rice has also worn the armband for England on occasion. His leadership style is more vocal and physically imposing than Ødegaard’s more reserved, technical approach.

This is not the first time Adams has been outspoken about leadership at Arsenal. As captain, he famously led the club to four league titles and three FA Cups, cementing his reputation as one of the most influential leaders in English football history. His words carry weight among the Arsenal fanbase, though not all supporters agree with his assessment of Ødegaard.

The suggestion has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. Some argue that stripping Ødegaard of the armband could create unnecessary tension in the dressing room, potentially undermining team unity. Others feel that Adams has a point — that Arsenal need a captain who thrives under pressure, pushes teammates to their limits, and can set the tone in high-stakes matches.

For now, Arteta has given no public indication that he is considering a captaincy change. However, with Arsenal aiming to finally break their Premier League title drought, the debate over who should lead the team is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Whether Ødegaard remains captain or Rice steps into the role could become one of the defining storylines of the Gunners’ 2025/26 season.