Arsenal: 5 bold predictions for squad rebuild

4. Hector Bellerin becomes the captain

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the current club captain. And yet, he is in the role almost by accident. While his goalscoring exploits have been phenomenal, and his work with the young attacking teammates has been exemplary, showing his growth in maturity from his reportedly more troublesome days in Dortmund, he is only the captain thanks to Granit Xhaka’s petulance. That already puts doubt on his place as the leader of the team.

And then there is his potential departure. Aubameyang turns 31 in June. His contract expires next summer and he reportedly wants Champions League. He has stalled negotiations regarding a new deal as a result of his apparent desire to play in Europe’s elite competition, this being the last chance that he will able to secure a move in his career. Should Arsenal sell, which is highly possible, the captaincy is up for grabs.

There is no better candidate in the squad than Hector Bellerin. He has been the captain in Aubameyang’s already this season, is a respected figure in the dressing room, and speaks brilliantly with the media and supporters. He is a modern-day leader who can lead a modern-day squad. If and when Aubameyang leaves, Bellerin will inherit the captaincy.