‘Amazing’ Tierney is ‘only option’ for Arsenal captaincy after what I saw at Celtic – pundit
Kieran Tierney is the only option for Mikel Arteta as he decides who will be the next Arsenal captain.
That’s according to former West Ham and Celtic hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was stripped of the role.
Arsenal confirmed in a statement on Tuesday (14 December) Aubameyang is no longer club captain after a disciplinary breach last week.
He was left out of the matchday squad for the 3-0 win over Southampton at the weekend and will not be considered for selection for Wednesday’s (15 December) game with West Ham.
Mikel Arteta told club media he will now rely on his “leadership group” but the appointment of the next captain is “really important”.
McAvennie has dismissed the suggestion Aaron Ramsdale should take over as captain and claimed Tierney is the only option.
“It has to be Tierney, he’s the only option,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“I mean, they are on about giving it to the goalkeeper, he’s the favourite. Really? Not for me.
“Why would you give it to the man who is furthest away from the action?
“That’s just my view. Tierney would have been made Celtic captain if it hadn’t been for Scott Brown.
“He had those leadership qualities years ago and he’s one of the most consistent players for Arsenal.
“It’s no secret, I really like the boy. He’s amazing in my opinion. I just look through that Arsenal team and I don’t see any other option.
“Tierney is a leader and he’s one of their better players.
“I think he deserves a shot at being the leader in that squad.”
In other news, an Arsenal rising ‘has to leave’ after what Per Mertesacker has said publicly.