Ex Everton star to replace Vermaelen on full-time basis.
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta has become club captain following Thomas Vermaelen’s £15m move to Barcelona.
The 32-year-old frequently wore the armband last season, with Vermaelen often sidelined through injury.
There had been rumours that Arteta could move on this summer, but such transfer talk will surely cease now.
German centre-back Per Mertesacker has also been promoted, taking over Arteta’s old role as veec-captain.
Wenger confirmed the news on Sunday. When asked who would replace Vermaelen, he replied: “One, Arteta and, two. Mertesacker.”
The Frenchman’s revelation came after his side thrashed Premier League champions Manchester City 3-0 to win the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium.
Arteta played the full 90 minutes against City, who were put to the sword by goals from Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud.
The Gunners have now won two trophies in three months, after going nine years without claiming a single piece of silverware.
Arteta was one of Arsenal’s best players last season. In the Premier League, he made more tackles – 105 – and completed more passes – 2,152 – than any of his teammates.
He moved to the Emirates Stadium from Everton in August 2011 for a fee in the region of £10m.
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Wenger confirms Arteta #afc captain, Mertesacker vice-captain this season
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) August 10, 2014