Over the past few years it has seemed as though there has been something of a curse on the Arsenal captaincy. The chaos largely began when Laurent Koscielny caught the club off guard by demanding to leave in the summer of 2019, meaning that a new dressing room leader had to be appointed.
After a lengthy delay Unai Emery reluctantly opted for Granit Xhaka but with something of a twist. The Swiss midfielder was to be part of a group of five captains at Arsenal including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Mesut Ozil and Hector Bellerin. To make matters even more unusual the decision had been made via a dressing room vote.
Of the five Xhaka is the only one who still remains at the club with any likelihood of featuring regularly, and after his infamous incident with supporters in a home game against Crystal Palace appointing him skipper again is now impossible. Mikel Arteta admits this has left him in a difficult position when it comes to appointing the next leader of his dressing room.
