Martin Odegaard says it's really "cool" that Cesc Fabregas is following his Arsenal career, because the Monaco star is a player he looked up to whilst growing up.
Whilst both are creative, attacking midfield players, the Norwegian already has another thing in common with the Spaniard, in the sense that he could be on course to takeover the Gunners' permanent captain vacancy. Odegaard has been sharing the role with Alexandre Lacazette and Kieran Tierney, but the former of those two is expected to depart the club when his contract comes to an end in June, whilst Tierney's questionable injury record means giving him the armband full-time is a risk.
Speaking to tv2sport, the 23-year-old admitted that he'd be happy to accept being Arsenal's foremost leader if the opportunity presents itself this summer: "If it is desirable, then of course I will ask, but that is not my focus at all. It's about to finish the season, get to the Champions League and take it from there and see what happens next season."
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And if he were to become the Gunners' new skipper, he'd be following in the footsteps of someone like Fabregas. Even though the Spaniard eventually moved to Chelsea at a latter stage in his career, he was appointed captain by Arsene Wenger as a 21-year-old, and he's one who's remembered fondly by most for his efforts before heading to Barcelona.
The Spanish midfielder recently referred to Odegaard as "Arsenal's present and future" along with Bukayo Saka in a Twitter message, something that has made the Norwegian proud of how far he's come.
"It was cool when he posted a little thing," Odegaard added. "He was the big star in Arsenal when I grew up. I really looked up to him and the way he played. I tried to learn and saw many clips. It's cool that he's following me."
