Arteta asked if 29-year-old could become new Arsenal captain

Add as preferred source on Google

Mikel Arteta has responded when asked whether Granit Xhaka could become the new Arsenal captain after the announcement that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been stripped of the armband – in comments reported on the Gunners’ official website.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that Aubameyang will no longer captain Arsenal. It comes after he reportedly returned later than planned from a trip to France last week.

The striker missed the clash with Southampton on Saturday. And once the reasons for his absence came to late, speculation began surrounding where Arteta would go should Aubameyang not continue as captain.

Certain names have been put forward by various pundits. But one of those who has probably not received too many votes from elsewhere is Xhaka.

Xhaka, of course, probably has a fair idea of what Aubameyang is currently going through. He was previously stripped of the captaincy following his reaction to being substituted during a game against Crystal Palace back in 2019.

For some, that should rule Xhaka of regaining the armband. However, when asked about the possibility of the Swiss succeeding Aubameyang, Arteta suggested that the door is open.

“Granit is one of the captains and he’s part of the leadership group and is a really important player for us,” he said, as reported by the club’s official website.

Granit Xhaka becoming Arsenal captain again would not be a surprise

Xhaka looks to be an obvious contender for the post. Admittedly, he is not always a guaranteed starter for the Gunners. And it was not too long ago that he looked set to leave the Emirates.

But Arsenal are not blessed with a number of obvious leaders. And Xhaka has shown some superb form at times over 2021.

Xhaka is never going to be a player who unites the fanbase. But Arteta clearly feels that he can trust the 29-year-old.