Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy has voiced his belief that Declan Rice is the ideal candidate to take over the captaincy at Arsenal should Martin Odegaard depart the club. Speaking on talkSPORT, Cundy praised the England international’s defensive prowess, calling him a ‘monster’ at the back. He highlighted Rice’s ability to carry the team forward with control and brilliance, adding that he expects Rice to become both England’s and Arsenal’s future captain.
Odegaard has been the subject of transfer speculation, with rumors suggesting he could leave the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season. However, it remains uncertain whether the Norwegian playmaker will actually move on. Cundy’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about Arsenal’s leadership group and the need for a strong captain to guide the team through challenging times.
Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham United, has quickly established himself as a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad. His consistent performances and leadership qualities have not gone unnoticed, with many pundits and fans alike touting him as a future captain. Cundy’s endorsement adds weight to the growing consensus that Rice is ready to take on more responsibility at both club and international levels.