Wilshere – What I think of Arsenal’s new captain appointment

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has revealed his delight at Per Mertesacker being appointed the club’s captain.

Throughout the summer, the German defender had been rumoured to be named captain for the 2016/17 season but as of late, talk had emerged that Santi Cazorla would instead take the role on.

However, on Saturday morning, the Arsenal matchday programme had quotes in it that confirmed Mertesacker would be named the club’s skipper, with Arsene Wenger confirming that he is the ‘natural leader’ to take on the role.

Speaking to Arsenal Player about Mertesacker’s appointment, Wilshere admitted that it was ‘good news’.

“It is good news for us. For me anyway, over the last few seasons he has been like a captain.

“He is a natural leader and I know he has picked up a injury, but he can still bring so much to us as a team. I’m sure if you ask the other boys, they will say he would be an obvious choice for captain. We are happy.

“He is organised, and he won’t take any nonsense from anyone. If someone is late or on their phone, he is on to them – it doesn’t matter who you are. He is the one who organises our team dinners so for me he is a great choice.

After sustaining an injury against Lens, Mertesacker will be sidelined for some time and Wilshere has called upon his team-mates to step up in his absence.

“Without the captain on the pitch – I know he will be around in the dressing room – but without him on the pitch we are all going to need to step up as individuals and as a team,” he said.

“I think we have got the players to do that. We have a few players in our team who are natural leaders so I think we will be alright.”

Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign with a home fixture against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, with Mertesacker and Wilshere both certain to miss out along with the likes of Laurent Koscielny, Gabriel, Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck amongst others. The Frenchman has a decision to make on who will start up front, with Theo Walcott likely to be the man selected.