Captaincy change at Arsenal as Odegaard set for surprise departure

Cameron Smith

• 16 Feb 2026 07:15 CST
• 3 min read

Nieuws

Arsenal are reportedly in talks with Martin Odegaard ahead of a potential departure during the 2026 summer transfer window.

The Norway superstar has been Arsenal’s club captain since July 2022, but his form has dipped over the past 12 months and rumours have suggested that he could look to leave the club later this year.

Bayern Munich and Inter Milan have both been credited with interest in the 27-year-old, and Mikel Arteta’s side have now held talks with the midfielder as they prepare for a potential captaincy change this summer.

That is according to transfer reporter IndyKaila, who posted on X: “Arsenal are in talks with their captain Martin Odegaard about his role at the club. The player could leave to explore new opportunities.

“Declan Rice is likely to be the new Arsenal captain next season.”

Rice wore the captain’s armband during his final season at West Ham United, following the retirement of Mark Noble, and he has been widely tipped to replace Harry Kane as England’s captain when the Bayern Munich striker steps down from international football.

Analysis: Will Martin Odegaard leave Arsenal?

Odegaard has less than two-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract at Arsenal and while the club have been keen to tie down their most important players to fresh terms in recent months, reports haven’t suggested he is in talks over a new deal.

David Raya, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly have all signed new contracts at the Emirates Stadium since the end of the 2024-25 season, while Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and the aforementioned Rice remain in negotiations with the club.

Meanwhile, with Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino, Ethan Nwaneri and Havertz as attacking midfield options, Arsenal are well stocked if Odegaard does leave the club this summer.

However, an exit is far from guaranteed and although the Norway star has only scored one goal so far this season, he remains a key player for the Gunners and a contract extension therefore wouldn’t be a massive surprise.

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