Arsenal could make their best summer move without spending a penny by handing the captain's armband to Declan Rice. The Gunners begin the Premier League season as defending champions for the first time since 2004, but Mikel Arteta's side face the challenge of becoming the first Arsenal boss to retain the title in the Premier League era.
Rice ready to lead
Martin Odegaard featured in only half of Arsenal's Premier League matches last season due to injury problems. Rice has repeatedly stepped up as skipper during Odegaard's absences, selected by his team-mates, and has fronted up to the cameras after slip-ups, demanding more from the squad.
Arteta's backing
Arteta said: "They made a decision because Declan has earned the status and the role. The way he's taken ownership in difficult moments. He's a great leader, he's a top player for us and I love that the players take that ownership."
While a move for Bradley Barcola would cost a fortune, giving Rice the armband would cost nothing and could take Arsenal to another level.
