Xhaka to be named new Arsenal captain – is he a good fit?

Unai Emery will reportedly name Granit Xhaka as his new Arsenal captain this summer, but is he a good fit for the role?

The Independent report that Emery rates the Swiss very highly and is set to reward him with the armband.

Atletico Madrid had been linked with a summer move to sign the player, but they instead opted to pursue Marcos Llorente.

Last summer, Emery named a ‘group of captains’, with Laurent Koscielny leading the way. However, with the Frenchman looking set to depart, it looks like a good move for the Spaniard to establish some clear leadership on the pitch at the Emirates.

Xhaka only started 29 times in the Premier League last season but did impress more often than not and should he get the armband, a regular place in the team is to be expected.

The Swiss has certainly shown his leadership qualities but will have to step up once again next season to help fill the void left by Aaron Ramsey.

It’s clearly a decision that Emery has thought long and hard about, now it’s time for the Arsenal fans to back his decisions ahead of the new season.

The real concern for supporters will be the player’s disciplinary records, but if he can control that, the Gunners will hope to have a reliable figure leading the team out.