Martin Keown believes Kieran Tierney can replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as Arsenal’s captain despite having a strained relationship with Mikel Arteta, via his Daily Mail column.
Arteta stripped Aubameyang of the armband on Tuesday following what Arsenal described as his ‘latest disciplinary breach’. The incident initially led to his omission from their squad against Southampton on Saturday. But it will also see him overlooked against West Ham.
Alexandre Lacazette will wear the armband against the Hammers on Wednesday night, per The Athletic. He took over the role against the Saints, despite his contact expiring in June.
Tierney, Martin Odegaard, Aaron Ramsdale and Gabriel are also potential options, but only Odegaard is likely to be considered. The Norway captain quickly impressed Arteta with his leadership while on loan from Real Madrid before his £34m permanent transfer.
Arteta is likely to overlook giving Gabriel or Ramsdale the armband as they are relatively inexperienced, despite being vocal presences. Tierney is also an unlikely option after failing to instantly regain his position at full-back from Nuno Tavares after injury.
Keown backs Tierney to be Arteta’s Arsenal captain after Aubameyang decision
Tierney missed two games with an ankle injury in October before watching four matches from the bench. He has since offered one assist in each of his last two outings, however.
Keown feels Arteta’s decision to keep faith in Tavares instead of recalling Tierney put strain on their relationship. But the Gunners icon would still back the Scot as a worthy captain.
“Now Arteta has acted, he’s got the chance to select his own skipper,” Keown said. “Under his management, I believe Tierney has been the standout player who could fulfil that role.
“But Tierney’s relationship seemed strained with his manager recently when he returned from injury and wasn’t brought straight back into the team.
“There are other contenders. Although for Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White and Gabriel, it feels early days in their development at the club.
“They’re all young, none of them older than 24. But then Tony Adams became captain at 21, so age shouldn’t work against any of these candidates.”
Tierney must show he deserves the armband by keeping Tavares out
Arteta could stick with Lacazette as the Arsenal captain after stripping Aubameyang of the armband. But as the Frenchman is out of contract at the end of the season, his time in the role may only be temporary and offer Tierney a chance to show why he should take over.
Tierney now staying fit and retaining his position over Tavares would also help to repair any damage in his relationship with Arteta, who will be desperate to make the correct decision with who takes over the Arsenal captaincy from Aubameyang long-term.
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