“Take the captain’s armband off him immediately and hand it to this specific Arsenal player,” Rio Ferdinand has urged. According to the former Manchester United defender, Martin Ødegaard is too soft to be a captain and hasn’t done enough to justify holding the role. Ferdinand has called on Mikel Arteta to make a leadership change — and it’s not David Raya or Bukayo Saka he’s backing, but another standout figure in the Arsenal squad.

In a bold and passionate statement that has stirred up widespread debate, former Manchester United star and football pundit Rio Ferdinand has demanded a major change in leadership at Arsenal. During a recent media appearance, Ferdinand strongly urged manager Mikel Arteta to strip Martin Ødegaard of the captaincy and appoint another player to lead the team.

“Take the armband off him now,” Ferdinand said firmly. “He’s too soft to be captain. I genuinely don’t understand what qualified him for that role in the first place.”

These blunt remarks have triggered intense discussions among Arsenal supporters and the football world at large. Ødegaard has been a key figure in Arteta’s team over the past two seasons, often praised for his calm leadership and consistent performances. However, his recent dip in form — especially during critical Champions League matches — has raised questions, and Ferdinand believes it’s time for change.

Contrary to popular assumptions that he would back stars like Bukayo Saka or goalkeeper David Raya, Ferdinand instead pointed to Declan Rice as the ideal candidate to wear the armband.

“Declan Rice is the real leader in that squad,” he explained. “He communicates well, earns respect, and delivers in crucial moments. He doesn’t disappear — he has the mentality and aura of a proper captain.”

Ferdinand made it clear that his remarks were not a personal attack on Ødegaard but a reflection on what he sees as Arsenal’s lack of grit and vocal leadership in high-pressure situations. According to him, Rice brings the kind of commanding presence the team needs during tough matches.

Still, Ødegaard has his defenders. Many fans have taken to social media to highlight his loyalty to the club, intelligent playmaking, and calm demeanor, which have helped guide Arsenal back to the top tier of European football. Some fear that removing the armband now, especially in the middle of an intense European campaign, could cause unnecessary disruption.

“Even if Ødegaard hasn’t been at his best recently,” one supporter commented online, “he doesn’t deserve this kind of treatment. He’s been vital to our progress under Arteta.”

As Arsenal prepare for their Champions League semi-final clash with PSG, this leadership controversy adds extra pressure. Whether Arteta keeps faith in Ødegaard or makes a bold switch to Rice, all eyes will be on how the team — and its captain — responds in this crucial moment.