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Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

The new contender to challenge Kieran Tierney and Martin Odegaard for Arsenal captaincy

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has many big decisions to make ahead of next season.

From making a final call on whether to extend Alexandre Lacazette's contract to finally giving William Saliba a chance and what players to sign in the summer transfer window, it's certainly going to be a busy few months for the Gunners boss.

But perhaps the decision with the most impact Arteta has to make is naming the next Arsenal captain.

After taking the armband off Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back in December for another disciplinary issue, the Spaniard has entrusted Lacazette to skipper the side for the remainder of the season.

Although, should the Frenchman depart in June then not only will Arteta need to sign a replacement striker, but appoint a new permanent captain too.

So far the leading candidates are Martin Odegaard and Kieran Tierney.

The latter appears to have unofficially 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 in the 2-1 win over Brentford.

However, the Spaniard has revealed that Odegaard is another contender.

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.

"He certainly has all of the qualities to do that," Arteta said when asked about whether Odegaard could be captain next season. "Absolutely."

With that said, some Arsenal fans have thrown Aaron Ramsdale's name into the ring for contenders to challenge Tierney and Odegaard for the captaincy.

This is mainly in relation to the goalkeeper's interaction with Gabriel Magalhaes following the defender's mistake that gifted Wolves the lead at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night.

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 Ramsdale wasn't going to let Gabriel 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 has since followed with many Gunners supporters commenting on YouTube as well as social media that Ramsdale should be considered for captaincy.

Olatokunbo Tijani said: "That’s definitely a Captain behaviour!!!"

M8 said: Ramsdale should be considered as the next Captain, his effort and passion for this club contagious. He puts everything into each game just like a leader should do."

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@kinguztyn said: "A captain I'm waiting...I see Ramsdale genuine love for the club....I see you sir."

@SylvesterOgba said: "The best choice will be the ever-active Ramsdale."

@GunnerJenks said: "I'd have Ramsdale as a captain all day every day. He's a born leader."

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