According to West Ham United midfielder Jack Wilshere, defender Rob Holding might very well become the next Gunners captain.
Laurent Koscielny is the current club captain but after he refused to go to the US for Arsenal’s pre-season tour there is no way he is going to lead the side for the 2019-20 campaign – in case he is retained by the club i.e.
“Laurent Koscielny has refused to travel to the US for our pre-season tour,” a statement on the club’s official website read.
“We are very disappointed by Laurent’s actions, which are against our clear instructions.
“We hope to resolve this matter and will not be providing any further comment at this time.”
Arsenal have launched disciplinary action against Koscielny and it is more or certain the Frenchman will be stripped of his captaincy and Jack Wilshere has nominated Rob Holding as the next in line to wear the armband.
The Hammers midfielder told football.london: “Arsenal will have Rob Holding coming back and Hector [Bellerin]. They did their cruciates – and sometimes when you do your cruciate you actually come back stronger – because you have to work on your strength and quads which actually strengthen you more.
“Rob Holding was playing so well before he got injured and will be a great addition to their defence once he’s fit again.
“I really think he could be a potential Arsenal captain of the future.”
Rob Holding looked to be a regular in defence for Unai Emery last season but he met with a nasty injury in December of last season which has kept him on the sidelines ever since.
Jack Wilshere has obviously seen the defender from close quarters during their time together at the Emirates but we do not feel Unai Emery will gamble with the captaincy.
Rob Holding will need a fair amount of time before he can win back his place in the starting XI and the last thing the Arsenal boss would want is to see his club captain warming the benches instead of inspiring his teammates on the pitch.
