Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta explains plan to appoint next captain after Alexandre Lacazette | Football | Sport

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained there will be a “thorough” process this summer into who will be the club’s next permanent captain. Alexandre Lacazette has taken on the armband following the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January. But the Frenchman looks set to leave himself this summer, with his contract expiring at the end of the season.

The Arsenal captaincy has been somewhat of a poisoned chalice in recent years.

Previous skipper Granit Xhaka was stripped of the role after a public falling out with supporters.

Per Mertesacker, Arteta himself and Thomas Vermaelen all suffered with regular injury problems during their time as club captain.

Arteta has a leadership group in his squad, which includes Xhaka, Lacazette, Kieran Tierney and Rob Holding.

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“Sometimes it’s not easy because you feel observed and listened in on,” Arteta said.

“That is always in the back of your mind, but you have to let it go. It’s a way of telling the people who follow us how we live.

“It has to be natural. Nobody has to be acting. We have to be ourselves. This season has been a little bit of a rollercoaster. Hopefully it’s a good story to tell!

“I am who I am. I don’t think I can hide a lot how I feel. But if you follow me for 24 hours I’m sure you’ll know more about me that’s for sure!”

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