'Different class': Jack Wilshere blown away by £52m Arsenal star

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has been described by Jack Wilshere as “different class”.

The 29-year-old has stepped up to the plate as Gunners captain in the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta stripped the 32-year-old of the captaincy earlier this week.

“We expect all our players, particularly our captain, to work to the rules and standards we have all set and agreed,” read an Arsenal statement.

While Arteta hasn’t disclosed how the striker broke the rules, he reportedly returned late from a trip abroad.

Lacazette was Aubameyang’s vice-captain and has taken the armband in his absence.

Arsenal have won both of their games since the Gabon international dropped out of the squad.

Arteta has confirmed that a “leadership group”, which includes Lacazette and Granit Xhaka, is currently in play.

Following the win over West Ham, the Spaniard praised Lacazette for stepping up to the plate.

And speaking to talkSPORT, Wilshere also lauded the Frenchman for his leadership skills.

The midfielder, currently training with the Gunners, spoke about different styles of captaincy.

Lacazette a “contender” as captain who leads with the way he plays

“I don’t think you have to be that vocal,” said the 29-year-old.

“Do you have to be that vocal now to be a captain?

“There are different types of captains where you lead with the way you play.

“Lacazette was different class (against West Ham). He would be a contender.”

It’s all up in the air at the moment as far as Arsenal’s captaincy is concerned.

Aubameyang hasn’t only had the armband taken off him, but he’s not even being picked.

Meanwhile, Lacazette’s contract runs out in the summer, so his Emirates future is uncertain.

Were Arteta to make the £52million man captain permanently, could he perhaps commit his future to the club?

Or is Lacazette an interim captain and, in the summer, someone else gets the armband?