Mikel Arteta knows he has many big decisions to make at Arsenal for the 2022/23 season. One of which is to appoint a new permanent captain, assuming that Alexandre Lacazette departs when his contract expires at the end of June.
After taking the armband off Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back in December as a punishment for another disciplinary issue, the Spaniard has entrusted the Frenchman to skipper the side for the remainder of the season, and whilst the 30-year-old has led by example, it's only expected to be a short-term solution.
With regards to who could be named Arsenal's new captain, the leading candidate appears to be Kieran Tierney having been promoted to the vice-captain role with Arteta confirming the Scotland international is next in line when Lacazette is not on the pitch - as seen when the striker is replaced in games.
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However, Martin Odegaard is also in the frame. Despite only being 23, the playmaker has plenty of experience, and the fact he is the captain of the Norway international team could swing things in his favour when it comes to making a decision.
But there could be another name for Arteta to consider and that is in the form of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. In fact, the 23-year-old has thrown his name into the ring after listing the credentials that would make him the best option to follow in the footsteps of former Arsenal captains such as Patrick Vieira, Tony Adams, Cesc Fabregas and Per Mertesacker.
"Listen, I’d take the responsibility but that’s down to the manager," he told FourFourTwo. We've got a lot of strong characters, though, and a lot of people who I think would be good captains. Just to be told 'you’re in a leadership role' – I’d relish whatever. You never turn down a captaincy and I think I’d excel if I was given the armband, but that’s down to the boss."
Interestingly, some Arsenal fans first called for Ramsdale to be in consideration for the captain role over two months ago because of his interaction with Gabriel Magalhaes following the defender's mistake that gifted Wolves the lead at the Emirates Stadium at the end of February.
Under pressure from Raul Jimenez, the centre-back attempted to send the ball back to his 'keeper only to under hit the pass from which Hwang Hee-chan seized upon to break the deadlock. But, crucially, Ramsdale did not allow Gabriel to dwell too long on the mistake.
As spotted in Arsenal's 'Aaron Ramsdale Cam' video uploaded to YouTube, from the 1.07-minute mark and for almost 20 seconds he could be seen offering words of encouragement to the Brazilian. An overwhelming response then followed with many Gunners supporters commenting on YouTube as well as social media that he should be considered for the captaincy.
In a few months, those supporters may just get their wish if Arteta hands the armband to his signing from Sheffield United last summer and Ramsdale could look back at this moment against Wolves as the game where he proved his case to be named the next permanent Arsenal captain.
