rsenal have officially appointed Martin Odegaard as their new first team captain ahead of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.
The Gunners made the announcement for their last exhibition game of an encouraging summer against Sevilla in the Emirates Cup on Saturday.
Odegaard, a popular and influential first-team member of Mikel Arteta who previously wore the captain’s armband, succeeds Alexandre Lacazette, who left Arsenal at the end of his contract to return to former club Lyon this summer on a free transfer.
Lacazette had been appointed as a temporary replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who had lost his captaincy for disciplinary reasons before his contract was finally terminated by mutual consent before moving to Barcelona in February.
Odegaard, who is only 23, is well versed in leading teams, having captained his native Norway since March 2021.
“We are delighted to announce that Martin Odegaard has been appointed as our new captain of the men’s first team,” Arsenal said in a statement.
The 23-year-old has made a huge impact since coming from Real Madrid to the Emirates Stadium in January 2021, initially on loan, and has played 60 times and scored nine goals.
“Odegaard has experience wearing the bracelet as he has captained Norway since March 2021, for whom he has won 43 caps.
“We wish Martin every success as our captain. After today’s game, we’ll have more about the deal here.”
More to follow