At Arsenal, leadership discussions have taken centre stage once again — and at the heart of them is Declan Rice.
Since his high‑profile move from West Ham United in 2023 for around £105 million, Rice has become one of Arsenal’s most influential players both on and off the pitch. His impact has sparked a growing debate among fans, pundits, and former Arsenal greats about whether he should be the club’s next captain, potentially succeeding current skipper Martin Ødegaard — even if manager Mikel Arteta hasn’t officially handed him the armband permanently yet.
Rice’s leadership qualities aren’t just talk — they’re evident. Arteta himself has praised his evolution as a midfield dynamo, describing how Rice’s influence on the team continues to grow. While Arteta stops short of discussing captaincy directly, he recognises Rice’s presence as part of Arsenal’s leadership core. According to one source, Arteta spoke highly of Rice’s integration into the leadership group, emphasising that he earns his role through performance and presence rather than simply wearing the armband.
The catalyst for much of the current debate was a bold call from Arsenal legend Tony Adams. Adams urged Arteta to make a decisive change, arguing that Rice’s leadership style, competitive mentality, and consistency could finally help Arsenal win the Premier League — a trophy the club hasn’t lifted since 2004. Adams suggested that making Rice captain might also free up Ødegaard to express himself creatively without the added burden of the armband.
Arteta, however, has publicly backed Ødegaard’s captaincy — and he did so emphatically earlier this season. When asked about the leadership situation, Arteta revealed that the squad had voted overwhelmingly to keep Ødegaard as captain, with “by a mile” levels of support from his teammates. This result suggests that within the dressing room, there’s strong respect and trust in Ødegaard’s leadership.
Yet the discussion isn’t going away. Fans point to moments when Rice has worn the armband — such as in fixtures where Ødegaard was absent — and shown real authority, composure, and influence. The fact Rice has captained Arsenal before, even if temporarily, adds weight to the argument that one day he could wear the armband.
Moreover, in the modern game, captaincy isn’t defined solely by the armband. Arteta’s tactical system often emphasises collective leadership, where key personalities like Rice contribute significantly to team identity and unity. Rice’s experience as a former West Ham captain and his resilient style align with the type of leadership Arsenal appears to be building under Arteta.
In conclusion, while Mikel Arteta has not outright confirmed Declan Rice as Arsenal’s next official captain, the ongoing debate reflects a broader shift in how leadership is viewed at the club. Rice’s influence, character, and readiness make him a strong candidate — and whether he becomes captain next season or in the future, his role as one of Arsenal’s central leaders is already unmistakable.