Arsenal fans are all saying the same thing about Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard after bold Mikel Arteta decision

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Arsenal travel to Southampton to close their Premier League campaign.

Mikel Arteta has rung the changes following their Champions League place secured with the victory over Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium.

Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney make rare starts with Raheem Sterling also replacing Bukayo Saka on the wing. Ethan Nwaneri’s contract uncertainty doesn’t stop him from also playing.

Arsenal start without William Saliba or Gabriel Magalhaes for the first time in 148 Premier League matches and there is another bold decision in their line-up against the Saints.

READ MORE: Arsenal hero Granit Xhaka just told everyone his next transfer move after Bayer Leverkusen

Arsenal fans react to Declan Rice being named captain

Arteta has chosen to give the captain’s armband to Declan Rice as Martin Odegaard is named on the bench.

Arsenal fans have taken to X to voice their opinion on the decision and it seems they are all in agreement with the Gunners’ boss.

One fan wrote: “Needs the Armband for next season too… Let Odegaard focus on his creativity and improving.”

Another Arsenal fan wrote: “Rice puts in Captain’s performances week in week out, the armband is merely a formality.”

One Gunners fan also claimed another Arsenal player should be in contention to replace Odegaard as captain next season, they wrote: “Should be like this next season or Big Gabby.”

Martin Odegaard needs a good start to next season for Arsenal

Odegaard has struggled this season but his campaign was disrupted by an ankle injury suffered playing for Norway back in September that has hampered his form.

Upon his return to the side in November, he initially gave the side a much-needed boost before his form has faded away dramatically.

Arsenal are backing Odegaard to return to his majestic best but he will need to hit the ground running at the beginning of next season to avoid further criticism.

The pressure really is on the team to step up and land a major trophy next campaign or it may be time to see players and the manager moved on in search of glory.