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Report: £46m man in contention to be Arsenal’s new captain if Aubameyang loses role

Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
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LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal applauds the fans as he is substituted during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on December 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Alexandre Lacazette could be a contender to takeover the Arsenal captaincy, if Pierre Emerick Aubameyang loses it, the Athletic report.

Lacazette captain?

They suggest that Lacazette, Kieran Tierney and Granit Xhaka are among the leaders contenders to pick up the armband, which could be up for grabs.

Aubameyang was left out of Arsenal’s squad for their clash with Southampton at the weekend after a disciplinary breach.

Mikel Arteta was tight lipped over what his current skipper has done, but the incident does bring into question his suitability to continue to wear the armband.

Arteta was actually asked whether Arsenal would change captains after their clash with Southampton and he did not rule it out entirely.

If that is to be the case, it seems that Lacazette could takeover the duties.

Lacazette and Aubameyang are actually very good friends, and are known to be strong characters in the dressing room.

An odd choice?

But if Lacazette was chosen to be Arsenal’s captain he would surely be a controversial choice among supporters.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal is replaced as a substitute by teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park on December 06, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

The £46 million (Goal) Frenchman’s own future at Arsenal is hardly certain, with his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Lacazette could, of course, be handed a new deal – but that hasn’t happened yet, despite his solid form this term.

Tierney would likely be seen as a more sensible choice, but the concern with him is his availability.

The Scot has struggled badly with injuries and it is hardly ideal for Arsenal if a newly selected captain spends more time on the treatment table than the pitch.

The Arsenal armband has been passed around too much of late, though.

And if Arteta does decide to strip Aubameyang of his leadership role, then it will be important that he gets his next choice correct.