Gunners boss chooses Vermaelen successor.Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reportedly chosen Mikel Arteta to be the next club captain after agreeing to sell Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona, according to the Daily Mail.
The Belgian international had been the Gunners skipper for the last two seasons after Robin van Persie’s departure to Manchester United in 2012, but Arteta often filled in as first choice to lead the side after Vermaelen found himself dropped from the starting lineup.
A poor run of form from the 28-year-old saw Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny become Arsenal’s new first-choice pairing at the back, and it is thought that the German international defender is also a leading contender to take the arbmand, though Wenger is leaning towards making him vice-captain.
Arteta has only been at Arsenal for three seasons, but is one of the most experienced members of the squad after a long and successful career in the Premier League, having also represented Everton.
The veteran Spaniard seems a good candidate for the captaincy and is known for being something of a leader on the pitch as well as a popular figure at the Emirates Stadium, though his age will no doubt provide some concern for the club’s fans as he cannot be considered a long-term option for the role.
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