The new Arsenal captain should be...

Here are three candidates:

Thomas Vermaelen

Vermaelen is the vice-captain, and a natural leader on and off the pitch. He has a presence around him and leads by example on the pitch. His goalscoring touch is also often inspirational in helping Arsenal win tough games, as he showed during last season's 2-1 home win over Newcastle when he bagged the injury time winner. He is surely the front runner for the captaincy, but by no means a sure choice. Wenger pulled a surprise a few years ago when he 'snubbed' vice-captain Gilberto to hand the armband to William Gallas, and a shock choice is not out of the question.

Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta's on pitch performances have a touch of class, and he was instrumental for the club last season. He helped steady the midfield last season, and when he got injured in April it was no coincidence the club's form dipped. At 30 he has the experience which will help the younger players around him, and is expected to play a key role this coming campaign.

Jack Wilshere

Wilshere's injury problems make him a real long shot, but don't rule out a vice-captaincy role. Wenger made Fabregas captain when he was a similarly young age, and Wilshere could be the best long-term shout. The Arsenal captaincy has changed too many times over the years, losing four captains now in recent seasons, while homegrown talent Wilshere says he is committed to the Gunners for the long haul. His injury problems however mean that the timing and immediate need to appoint a new captain put him further down the list of candidates than he would otherwise be.

Who would you give the captaincy to? Vote in our poll.

image: © wonker