It has been a bombshell week for Arsenal after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was stripped of the captain’s armband after his latest disciplinary breach, and attentions have now turned as to who could replace the striker.
Arsenal’s record of club captains since Patrick Vieira’s departure in 2005 has been nothing short of embarrassing.
From William Gallas and Granit Xhaka both being stripped for protesting against fans to Laurent Koscielny going on strike to force away a move, those who wear the armband for the Gunners seem to bear a heavy crown that leads to tragedy.
Indeed, it is more than likely that an outcome will fall onto whoever replaces Aubameyang as captain at Arsenal.
Yet with Mikel Arteta commanding a young squad and Alexandre Lacazette likely to take the role the summer, who are the three most likely players who should be considered for the armband next season?
Kieran Tierney
The moment Aubameyang was stripped of the armband, Kieran Tierney’s name was trending on social media with Arsenal fans eager for the Scotsman to replace the 32-year-old attacker for the captaincy.
Unai Emery signed the left-back in 2019 for a reported fee of £25m. And whilst injuries have persisted with Tierney since arriving in north London, the defender has proven to be an exceptional leader both on and off the pitch.
The fullback is a favourite with both supporters and players at the club. And with Tierney a vocal figure on the pitch and having captaincy experience with both Celtic and Scotland, the 24-year-old seems like the most likely candidate to take the armband for Arsenal in the summer.
Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard made history in March when the 22-year-old was appointed the youngest captain ever for Norway. And it’s this basis that makes the playmaker another strong option to take the armband for Arsenal after Aubameyang.
The former Real Madrid star, just like Tierney, is a vocal member on the pitch. Moreover, the fact the midfielder is already a captain for an international team featuring some strong talent as well as one that stands up for social causes, the various issues surrounding the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, will make Odegaard a popular choice with Arsenal fans.
One cause of concern, though, is Odegaard’s playing time for Arsenal. Whilst the Norwegian has featured heavily for the Gunners in recent weeks, it is uncertain whether or not this run in the XI will remain until the end of the season, with supporters and Arteta likely wanting a captain who is guaranteed to play every week.
Aaron Ramsdale
That last point brings us to the final candidate, and easily the boldest suggestion of the lot, that being Aaron Ramsdale.
The summer signing from Sheffield United has been nothing short of a sensation for Arsenal, and his big personality has led to fans and pundits suggesting the 23-year-old could be in contention to take the captaincy.
The England international has been a booming presence for an Arsenal backline that has been one of the best in the Premier League this season. And Ramsdale’s age and position makes him a perfect candidate to take over the armband for many years to come.
One hitch, though, could be that the keeper just joined Arsenal. And whilst it isn’t uncommon for clubs to appoint a captain shortly after arriving, it would be a strange choice from the Gunners to hand the armband to Ramsdale within 12 months of signing.
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