There have been talks that Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, might lose his armband. But manager Mikel Arteta has made it clear—Odegaard will remain the team’s captain next season.

These rumours started after Arsenal had a few disappointing games and were knocked out of the Champions League. Some fans and pundits believed changes were needed, including possibly removing Odegaard as captain.

However, a report from The Athletic says those rumours are false. Odegaard is still trusted by the club, and he will continue to lead the team next season.

Odegaard had to deal with a knee injury that kept him out for nearly three months earlier in the season. Since returning, he hasn’t been in top form and has only scored one Premier League goal this year.

In Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final matches against Paris Saint-Germain, Odegaard didn’t have much influence. Arsenal lost the first leg 1-0 at home and were knocked out over the two games.

Some, like former player Mark Lawrenson, suggested Arteta should give the captaincy to Declan Rice instead. But the club is standing by Odegaard.

Odegaard became captain in 2022 after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette left Arsenal. Despite the recent dip in performance, Arteta and the club believe in his leadership and want him to continue wearing the armband.