Why Lacazette should be named Arsenal captain

Lacazette is the Best Candidate for Captain on a Short-Term Basis

Why would you hand the captain’s armband to someone who is leaving the club in little over six months and can literally agree to move to another club as soon as January?

Because it’s not a permanent decision, and is the call best suited to maintaining the closest notion of equilibrium at the club should Aubameyang no longer hold that honour.

Lacazette will, and should, be leaving. While the role of a captain at a club like Arsenal is overblown in terms of importance, it’s a decision that needn’t be made permanently just yet. This could be the ideal half-season to see who feels they warrant it. Arteta can observe those on the pitch and in training with even closer detail knowing there is a vacancy coming up, and until that moment comes there is no better person to share the load.

Everyone knows Lacazette, everyone respects Lacazette, and while supporters aren’t exactly enamoured with his performances, he’s widely loved by everyone. An exceptional professional who never leaves anything on the pitch, he speaks well on every occasion he’s asked to.

The captain is effectively an ambassador for the club. Hector Bellerin was someone supporters could be proud to have represent Arsenal. The same goes for Lacazette regardless of what one’s opinion may be of him as a footballer.

Furthermore, if this decision is made and there is more punishment in store for Aubameyang, we can expect that Lacazette will be featuring heavily in his stead. If the minutes are there for him with greater frequency then there is even more reason for him to wear the armband.

Xhaka and Lacazette both started against Southampton and, just as was seen against Everton, it was the Frenchman leading the team out. He’s worn it numerous times before. It never weighs him down.

Should Arteta go down this route – it’s not a decision that is expected, to be honest – then putting a hold on a final decision until the summer is the smartest route to take. And in that instance, there is one clear candidate to see the season out on his Arsenal swansong.