Granit Xhaka has emerged as Arsenal’s new captain following the depature of Laurent Koscielny who left for Bordeaux last summer.
Gunners boss Unai Emery who allowed his players to have a say on who should lead their team this season with five potential candidates, told the squad his decision on Friday after consulting his with players.
Xhaka was picked ahead of Bernd Leno, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and David Luiz who were also favourites to captain the team.
The Switzerland international, 27, has led the side in six of their eight games in all competitions this season.
Xhaka will be leading the north London side when they face one of their major rivals Manchester United on Monday at old Trafford.
Emery is still deliberating over a vice-captain, with forwards Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang understood to be the leading contenders.
The Swiss international has captained the side at times in the past, but will now take over the role on a full-time basis.
He succeeds previous Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny, who had worn the armband when fit until he walked out of the club in disgrace over the summer.
Xhaka had been seen as the leading candidate to assume the role which became available when Koscielny went on strike in an attempt to force a move back to France.
He has already captained the Gunners in six of their eight matches this season – and it appears he was an easy selection for his team-mates.
Yet to be decided, however, is who will take up the position of vice-captain.
It is suggested that role is now a straight battle between attacking duo Aubameyang and Lacazette.
