Arsenal: Declan Rice’s captaincy credentials now impossible for Mikel Arteta to ignore
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will now be under more scrutiny to appoint Declan Rice as club captain.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Rice will be vice-captain of the Three Lions team at this summer's World Cup in North America.
Rice's leadership was praised during Arsenal's Premier League title winning campaign, with captain Martin Odegaard missing much of the season due to injury.
Odegaard's future is up in the air at Arsenal this summer amid their need to sell a first team player, and Rice has the qualities required to take the armband.
The 27-year-old is also seen as the heartbeat of the Arsenal side, and the one player which Arteta can not afford to lose.
Declan Rice has already proved his leadership qualities
Rice's bid to be captain was perfectly evident after Arsenal's defeat at Manchester City in April, when the midfielder was seen saying on the pitch that the title race was "not done."
Following that moment, Arsenal won five consecutive Premier League games and reached the Champions League final.
Whilst Odegaard is often seen leading by example on the pitch, the Norwegian does not seem to have the same ability to galvanise a team like Rice.
Tuchel's trust in Rice is another signal to Arteta that the midfielder must play a greater part in the Gunners' leadership group next season.
Arsenal face hurdle in Martin Odegaard sale
Whilst Odegaard's future is uncertain in north London this summer, Arsenal may struggle to offload the 27-year-old.
Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson previously told Football Insider that opportunities could be limited for Odegaard to leave Arsenal.
The Gunners may have to lower their asking price of £80million in order to agree a deal, whilst Gabriel Martinelli could be an alternative player the club could look to sell.
Arsenal's increased interest in Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers means it would make sense for Odegaard to depart the club after five years this summer.
Odegaard has made over 200 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, and should he depart, Arteta would find it hard not to give Rice the captain's armband.