Arsenal captaincy decision make by Mikel Arteta as Gunners set for fresh approach

 MIKEL ARTETA REFLECTS ON ARSENAL 2-0 EVERTON PRE-SEASON WIN

Over the past few years it has seemed as though there has been something of a curse on the Arsenal captaincy. The chaos largely began when Laurent Koscielny caught the club off guard by demanding to leave in the summer of 2019, meaning that a new dressing room leader had to be appointed.

After a lengthy delay Unai Emery reluctantly opted for Granit Xhaka but with something of a twist. The Swiss midfielder was to be part of a group of five captains at Arsenal including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Mesut Ozil and Hector Bellerin. To make matters even more unusual the decision had been made via a dressing room vote.

Of the five Xhaka is the only one who still remains at the club with any likelihood of featuring regularly, and after his infamous incident with supporters in a home game against Crystal Palace appointing him skipper again is now impossible. Mikel Arteta admits this has left him in a difficult position when it comes to appointing the next leader of his dressing room.

Of the five Xhaka is the only one who still remains at the club with any likelihood of featuring regularly, and after his infamous incident with supporters in a home game against Crystal Palace appointing him skipper again is now impossible. Mikel Arteta admits this has left him in a difficult position when it comes to appointing the next leader of his dressing room.

It’s been a topic that has been discussed a lot, especially externally, and that didn’t help," the Spaniard said ahead of his side's training session in Orlando. "Obviously it’s not been very consistent and with a lot of behavioural problems within those groups. That is something we want to resolve, do it naturally and bring a really strong leadership within the team."

Resolving that is something Arteta clearly holds has a high priority. Correcting the culture of the dressing has been something he has set his sights on since arriving at the club, and now that the time has come to pick a new leader following the departures of Aubameyang and Lacazette last season, it's a decision that is of the utmost importance.