Arsenal legend Tony Adams has urged manager Mikel Arteta to strip Martin Odegaard of the club’s captaincy if they wish to win the Premier League.
Arsenal have played bridesmaid in the title race for the last three seasons, falling short against Manchester City twice, and most recently Liverpool.
Odegaard was made made captain ahead of the 2022-23 season, following the departures of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, he is yet to bring any silverware to the Emirates.
Adams, who famously led Arsenal to four league titles during his own glittering career, has identified the man he believes will drive the north London side over the line in the title race.
The former Gunners captain urged Arteta to replace Odegaard with England international Declan Rice.
‘He’s 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.
‘Every now and again as a manager, you have to put someone who reflects you, who reflects the football club that you think can actually take you to the next level.’ When asked if he thinks Rice reflects Arteta, Adams retorted: ‘I think he’s better than Arteta.’
Adams was then asked if Rice is a winner and if Arteta is not. The former defender answered diplomatically.
I’m just saying he’s got an opportunity this year to actually turn into a winner,’ he added. ‘To win league titles, you have to be a [Jurgen] Klopp, you have to be a [Sir Alex] Ferguson. You have to lead by example, you have to be a winner, you have to go about your business. And that reflects in your captain.
‘And I’m seeing Declan Rice as a captain but I’m saying to Arteta: “Come on, step up now. It’s your time to be a winning manager and a fantastic manager, because you’re not going to win the league with Odegaard as captain.’
Adams believes Rice’s durability and leadership are exactly what Arsenal need to finally get their hands on the title after coming close in the last two seasons.
‘You’ve got someone in their who’s going to play every game all season, that’s going to encourage people to come in and lay the foundations of a title-winning team,’ he continued.
‘Declan Rice can do that, Odegaard can’t. Come on Arteta, make him captain.’
