Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta feels Martin Odegaard is returning to his best form.

The 23-year-old impressed once again as Arsenal beat Brentford 2-1 on Saturday afternoon to keep pace with the Premier League top-four race.

Arteta explained: "We had a period with him where we could evaluate what Martin could bring to the club.

"We had no doubts. The club was brilliant to secure him in a really convincing way. Martin was really happy to join us because he had a really good time, he felt valued, he enjoyed what we are doing, he got a really good connection with the players and the supporters.

"He wanted to be part of the project. Since then he is getting better and better, and I am not surprised.

"The way he lives his profession, the way he likes to play football and everything he does is to become better.

"He has still a big margin. He wants it probably more than anyone else on that pitch, every single day. He will be top, top."

Of the club captaincy, Arteta continued: "He certainly has all the qualities to do that, absolutely.

"Talking to his national team coach and how highly they speak of him. He walks through the corridor and everybody loves him.

"He is such a nice, humble guy and he leads with the way he is. It is very natural for him and that will come.

"He generated expectations when he was 16 as well. Everybody wanted him. And then he had to fulfil that in a club like Madrid where the competition is like it is.

"It is extremely difficult but now he has found his place. He is really happy here, he has the environment.'He has the people, he has the time on the pitch to enjoy it and I think that is what he is doing."