Mikel Arteta has reportedly added midfielder Granit Xhaka and striker Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal’s leadership group to support new captain Martin Odegaard.
The Gunners announced Odegaard, 23, as their permanent captain this summer, despite his young age. The Norway international, who succeeded Alexandre Lacazette in the role, commands the respect of the Arsenal dressing room and also wears the armband for his country.
Lacazette was Arsenal’s skipper for the second half of last season after his predecessor, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, was stripped of the captaincy and transferred to Barcelona for disciplinary reasons. Lacazette also left the club when his contract expired in June, joining Lyon.
According to The Athletic, Arteta has asked Xhaka, 29, and Jesus, 25, to support Odegaard with his new job. Xhaka’s appointment is interesting because he was stripped of the captaincy by Arteta’s predecessor, Unai Emery, in October 2019.
Xhaka lost the armband after swearing at Arsenal fans and throwing a strop when he was substituted during a home Premier League game against Crystal Palace. He was also linked with a move away from the Emirates last summer, with Roma interested.
Despite this, Xhaka is a popular figure in the dressing room and viewed as a natural leader. Jesus, meanwhile, has made an immediate impact at Arsenal following his move from Manchester City earlier this summer, scoring twice against Leicester on Saturday.
Jesus has also impressed off the pitch, with Arteta appreciating his ‘exemplary’ attitude. His success at the Etihad – winning four Premier League titles – and relationship with the squad’s Portuguese-speaking contingent are also believed to be factors in the decision.
“Of course I was happy, proud and grateful for the trust and for him wanting me to be the captain,” said Odegaard on his appointment. “That’s a big achievement for me and it’s nice to be part of such a good team, so I’m going to enjoy that.”
On the other leaders in the squad, Odegaard added: “Yeah of course it’s important that we all take leadership, it’s not just about me or a few people but I think everyone needs to take the leadership and do what’s best for the team, so everyone has to do that.”
