Aaron Ramsey in action during Saturday’s 2-0 friendly win over Boreham Wood. The midfielder could become Arsenal's new skipper

Published: 24 July, 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

ARSENE Wenger hasn’t done much wrong so far this summer but there’s still one big decision that the Frenchman simply must get spot on if he’s going to keep supporters onside. 

After months of speculation linking captain Thomas Vermaelen with a move to rivals Manchester United, Wenger admitted for the first time on Saturday that he “cannot guarantee” the defender will still be at the Emirates when the Premier League season kicks off on August 16. 

If Vermaelen does decide to depart for Old Trafford, Wenger said that he “would bring in another centre back for sure” but what fans really want to know is who will officially take over the armband? 

Nobody involved with the club will want a repeat of last season where Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker juggled the responsibility while Vermaelen looked on from the bench. 

The fans’ choice would surely be Aaron Ramsey, who tweeted that he “loved being captain” after taking to the pitch as skipper for 45 minutes on Saturday as Arsenal kicked off their pre-season with a 2-0 victory over Boreham Wood. 

On this occasion, however, Wenger should be fearful of giving the fans what they want. 

The man dubbed “Rambo” would no doubt convince anyone who will listen that it’s a great honour to be given the armband. 

But Ramsey, no doubt, still carries the scars of being stripped of the Wales captaincy after just 18 months when incoming boss Chris Coleman told the media “I think he has felt the pressure of it”. 

And what about the so-called captain’s curse? 

Arsenal’s past few appointments have been handed to their best player, and on every occasion that player – Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie – ended up being the next to get sold. 

Rambo is a leader on the pitch, an inspiration to watch, and more than capable of guiding Arsenal to glory if he stays fit throughout the season. If the fans want to keep it that way – maybe someone else should carry the burden of the team and let Ramsey just focus on playing his game.