Declan Rice facing Arsenal fan backlash over Odegaard's captaincy comments

Arsenal's record signing Declan Rice has come under fire from sections of the club's support after suggesting he would "love" to take over the captaincy from Martin Odegaard.

The 25-year-old midfielder joined the Gunners from West Ham in a £105m deal earlier this summer, making him the most expensive English player ever.

In comments made and shared on social media, Rice reflected on his decade-long spell with the Hammers and hinted at ambitions to lead Arsenal in the future.

"Having 10 years at West Ham shaped me into the person I am today," said the England international. "When I got to captain West Ham, I was growing in confidence and as a leader. I still see myself going that way."

Rice then added: "There is Martin Odegaard at my club. I'm not thinking about it, but if anything were to ever happen to him, I really would love to put the armband on for Arsenal."

Those remarks have drawn a backlash from some Gunners fans, who have accused Rice of being disrespectful towards current captain Odegaard.

The Norwegian has led Arsenal since being handed the armband by Mikel Arteta in 2021 and was inspirational in their Premier League title challenge last season.

"Don’t ever imagine anything happening to Odegaard dear," one fan commented on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

"Before anything happens to Odegaard, it will first happen to you, okpo!!!" another stated.

“Declan Rice.. be guided.  I like you, but don't ever imagine anything happening to my beloved Ødegaard... I no dey use that guy joke oooo… Don't let me change it for you oooo ehn ehn .. Just mechonu and reduce this your cho cho,” a fourth added. 

“Have seen a lot of Rice Quotes these past days, have not seen any footage to confirm if it’s true however if true he needs some media training. Never say too much than necessary. One of the main rules,” said yet another fan.

Others meanwhile have defended Rice, saying his words have been taken out of context and it is natural for the former West Ham man to have leadership ambitions.

The debate marks an unseemly start to Rice's Arsenal career, with the summer signing's comments potentially sowing seeds of dressing room unrest.

Manager Mikel Arteta will likely want to get a grip on the situation swiftly to ensure a unified dressing room as his side look to go one better and win the Premier League title this year.