Some Arsenal fans are now saying same thing about Albert Sambi Lokonga

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Mikel Arteta faces a tough time deciding the next Arsenal captain after choosing to strip Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the armband this week.

Arteta is working with an incredibly young squad at the Emirates. And there are reasons not to turn to some of the more senior options within the ranks.

Alexandre Lacazette is out of contract in the summer. Granit Xhaka has previously lost the captaincy. And Rob Holding is now a more peripheral figure within the squad.

Kieran Tierney is another name reportedly in the leadership group. But again, Tierney has not had the best luck with injury during his time at the Emirates.

It may well be that Arteta delays a decision on a permanent successor. Goal has suggested that the leadership group at Arsenal are likely to share the captaincy until the end of the season.

That opens the door for some of the youngsters within the side to stake a claim over the coming months.

Fans will be watching how the likes of Ben White, Gabriel and Martin Odegaard step up. But perhaps there is another name that looks to have a real opportunity if no appointment is made until next season.

Albert Sambi Lokonga the contender to be next Arsenal captain few are talking about?

Albert Sambi Lokonga has had a mixed start to life at Arsenal. He has certainly shown glimpses of his potential. However, there have also been times when it has been more obvious that he is a 22-year-old in his first season in the Premier League.

But if Arteta delays a decision until the summer, Lokonga could well come into contention.

Despite his age, Vincent Kompany previously made him captain at Anderlecht. Kompany lauded Lokonga earlier this season for never shying away from getting on the ball and taking responsibility. He also labelled the midfielder ‘special’.

Admittedly, it is not a suggestion that some Arsenal fans can get their heads around. But there were also a fair few who felt that Lokonga should be considered…

Giving a central midfielder the armband would be the ideal solution for many. And with the position potentially up for grabs, Lokonga will surely be discussed in the months ahead.

Arteta needs to weigh up whether making Lokonga captain would be too much, too soon, or could prove to be the making of the midfielder’s Arsenal career.