Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has addressed the ongoing rumors surrounding Martin Ødegaard’s captaincy, making it clear that the Norwegian midfielder will not be stripped of the armband. Speculation had surfaced following a string of disappointing performances from the team, including their Champions League exit. Despite this, The Athletic reports that these rumors are unfounded, and Ødegaard is set to retain the captain’s role for next season.

After a knee injury sidelined him for almost three months, Ødegaard’s form has dipped, with only one Premier League goal since the start of the year. His impact was also lacking during Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain, where the Gunners lost 1-0 in both legs.

Despite calls from pundit Mark Lawrenson for Arteta to consider handing the captaincy to Declan Rice, Arsenal is reportedly confident that Ødegaard will remain as captain when the new season begins. The 24-year-old was appointed captain in 2022 after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette’s departures.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that Bruno Fernandes is drawing interest from multiple clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese midfielder has been in outstanding form this season, with 19 goals and 18 assists in all competitions, leading to growing speculation about his future.

However, Amorim has made it clear that Fernandes is not for sale. Speaking to reporters on Friday, he said, “Many clubs, including those from Saudi Arabia, are keen on Bruno and would do whatever it takes to sign him, but he is not going anywhere. He will be with us for many years to come.”

Former Borussia Dortmund shot-stopper Roman Weidenfeller has revealed his preference for Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi, praising the Portuguese star’s unmatched dedication and work ethic.

Weidenfeller, who faced both legends during his playing days, described Ronaldo as a standout among top forwards like Messi and Higuain. According to him, Ronaldo’s discipline sets him apart. “He’s always the first to arrive in the dressing room, hitting the gym and training hard, and the last to leave,” he said in an interview with The Hindu.

He credited Ronaldo’s commitment as the key to his long-lasting success, noting that even now, the Al-Nassr forward remains driven as ever in Saudi Arabia. With five Ballon d’Ors and major titles across the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Champions League, and Euro 2016, Ronaldo’s legendary status continues to grow at 40, following iconic spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.