3 players who could become the next captain of Arsenal

Arsenal finished 5th in the Premier League table in the recently concluded season and the only other achievement for the club in the 2018-19 season was the UEFA Europa League runners-up medal. Although the club looked good in certain games, Arsenal still suffered due to their costly defensive errors which eventually let them down in many games.

Another problem for the Gunners was the lack of a leader in the squad. Laurent Koscielny was appointed as the captain of the squad along with constituting the leadership group with Petr Cech, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil and Granit Xhaka. While Cech has retired, Ramsey has left the club to join Juventus. The futures of the other players are yet to be settled.

Although Koscielny did well as a player, the defender lacked the genuine qualities of a leader. Being a soft-spoken man, the players did not inspire confidence to lift his team when the squad was struggling on many occasions.

Hence, appointing a new captain could be a way to improve the squad and here are 3 players who can wear the captain's armband at Arsenal next season.

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#3 Nacho Monreal

Arsene Wenger had the tradition of giving the captain's armband to the oldest players at the club. Although the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie did break the tradition, Unai Emery can still continue the age-old tradition of Arsene Wenger with Nacho Monreal.

Having been at the club since the last 7 seasons, Nacho Monreal is probably one who would know most about the club in the current squad. The Spaniard has won 3 FA Cup Titles for Arsenal and has also lifted a number of trophies for Spain which would help him in guiding the youngsters at the club.

At 33, Monreal could make fewer appearances for the club on the pitch but his presence and valuable experience could indeed benefit the club next season.

#2 Alexandre Lacazette

If Arsenal want their next captain to lead the club from the front, Alexandre Lacazette is the best option for Unai Emery. The Frenchman scored 19 goals last season and forged a deadly partnership with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the front. However, the 28-year-old's work-rate impressed many of the Premier League fans last season.

Alexandre Lacazette was involved in a number of successful tackles last season and his contribution to the defense despite being a striker speaks volumes about the man. Lacazette is extremely pro-active and with him being a certain starter for every game next season, Lacazette would indeed be a good option to lead Arsenal next season.

At 28, Lacazette is at his prime and with the captain's armband, the former Lyon man could have yet another fantastic season at Arsenal. It could also make the forward get his future committed with the club.

#1 Granit Xhaka

Of the players that remain in the leadership group at Arsenal, Granit Xhaka is the best option to lead Arsenal next season. The Switzerland international has the experience of leading his country and with inherent leadership abilities in the player, he would be a good pick to become the next captain of Arsenal.

Central midfielders are always good captaincy materials due to their position on the pitch. Xhaka is one of the very few Arsenal players who are extremely noisy on the pitch. On most occasions, he would be shouting at his teammates or directing the play thereby proving his instincts as a leader.

Xhaka played 29 games in the Premier League last season and although he did have a few underwhelming performances, the Swiss will always be an asset to the club with his presence on the pitch. When required, Xhaka has also played in the defense during a crisis and Emery could benefit from such multi-utility players.

At 26, Arsenal can invest in a long-term leader by giving Xhaka the captain's armband. Hence, Unai Emery should pick him as the captain next season.

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