‘Arsenal’s real leader constantly sparks Lewis-Skelly, I’ve seen him do it’

Arsenal have a leader on the pitch who isn’t captain Martin Odegaard, but is stepping up to guide youngsters like Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Odegaard has struggled for form this season, and there are growing question marks over his role as captain.

Some Arsenal fans have even called for Odegaard to be stripped of the armband following a string of underwhelming performances, particularly in the Champions League clash against PSG.

Mick Brown, former Manchester United chief scout, revealed to Football Insider that members of Arsenal’s backroom staff have expressed concerns about Odegaard’s form and fitness throughout the campaign.

In contrast, Lewis-Skelly has enjoyed a promising breakout season, and former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider there is another figure who is a leader in the dressing room who constantly sparks the youngster.

Bukayo Saka Martin Odegaard Arsenal
Odegaard has faced a tough season. (Credit Imago)

Declan Rice emerging as Arsenal’s leader amid Odegaard scrutiny

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Robinson explained that he’s seen Rice has “visibly spoken” to Lewis-Skelly and that “at some point in the future he will be a captain”.

“It doesn’t matter who wears the armband,” Robinson told Football Insider.

“Declan Rice is a leader, you can see he’s a leader, both on and off the field. I think the way that he speaks, he’s quite visibly spoken to Miles Lewis Skelly a few times on the pitch.

“I really don’t think it matters who wears the armband. You’re not going to take it off Odegaard for no reason. If he was to for whatever reason miss a chunk of the season or to move on, then Declan Rice would be in prime position. He’s a born leader.

“At some point, he will wear the armband – whether that’s at Arsenal or wherever else. You can see that he’s a leader.”It’s clear he has those qualities.”

Rice has been in top form this season, especially in the Champions League, where he earned back-to-back Player of the Match awards in both legs against Real Madrid.

Season statisticsDeclan Rice
Appearances48
Goals7
Assists10
Declan Rice in 2024/25

Arsenal face major setback in Viktor Gyokeres pursuit

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres against a back drop of Emirates Stadium.
Hasan Karim – Breaking Media

While the Gunners remain in contention both domestically and in Europe, it appears their summer transfer plans may have already taken a hit.

Football Insider revealed that Manchester United are confident of securing a deal for Viktor Gyokeres, with the striker reportedly keen to reunite with his former coach Ruben Amorim.

Arsenal had been strongly linked with Gyokeres, with sporting director Andrea Berta leading the club’s push for the Sporting CP star. However, those efforts now appear to have stalled.

Despite the setback, Mikel Arteta’s side are still expected to bring in a marquee striker this summer. Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins are both understood to remain high on the shortlist.

For now, Arteta will be focused on bringing his team back to form, as they look to bounce back in the Premier League and overturn a one-goal deficit in their Champions League campaign.