Odegaard: I have not thought about Arsenal captaincy

Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard has admitted he has not thought about becoming club captain.

Manager Mikel Arteta has yet to name a permanent successor to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who left Arsenal for Barcelona in the winter transfer window.

Odegaard, despite only joining Arsenal last January, has often been spoken about as a potential club captain. The 23-year-old has captained Norway's national team for a year.

“No, you know what, I haven't thought about that (the Arsenal captaincy), to be honest,” Odegaard admitted to Norweigan outlet TV2.

“That's not something I think I really want to achieve. Of course, if it happens one day, it's cool and all that stuff, but it doesn't change that much for me.

“I'm not going to change as a person if that happens. I don't feel like I changed when I captained the national team. I do my thing, but it's not important for me.”

Though Alexandre Lacazette has primarily captained Arsenal following Aubameyang's departure, Arteta has spoken previously about Odegaard's leadership qualities.

“Absolutely,” Arteta confirmed when asked if Odegaard had the potential to be captain.

“He certainly has all the qualities to do that. I talk to his national team coach and know how highly they speak of him. He walks through the corridor and everybody loves him, a nice humble guy who leads by the way he is.”