Arsenal stars in blind training ground ballot over captain's armband

Unai Emery requested that his players write down and submit the names of their preferred choices for his five-man leadership group

Unai Emery has put the Arsenal captaincy to a vote.

Arsenal’s head coach has yet to officially announce who will replace the now departed Laurent Koscielny as skipper, although Granit Xhaka has worn the armband in every Premier League game so far this season.

Just as he did last year, Emery has stated that he wants to name five captains as part of a leadership group - and had said he would reveal who those players would be last week.



But, speaking prior to the Europa League tie at Eintracht Frankfurt, the Spaniard said he had decided to postpone making an announcement until after the Carabao Cup tie against Nottingham Forest.

The players have yet to be told, however, but Rob Holding has revealed that the squad were recently invited to put forward their preferred choices during a blind ballot at London Colney.

“We had a vote the other week so we’ll see what happens and see who gets named,” said the centre-back, who marked his return following 10 months out with a goal in the 5-0 win against Forest on Tuesday night.

“[We had to] write names down and then give them to the manager. He will go through them obviously with his input and then we’ll see what happens.

“I don’t know [when the decision will be announced]. I think it will be in the next couple of days, or weeks. I have no idea.

“If I get it, then I’ll be more than happy and honoured to do it.”

Holding wore the armband for the final 20 minutes against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday following Mesut Ozil’s substitution.

It was a proud moment for the 24-year-old defender, who headed home Arsenal’s second goal of the evening within seconds of taking over captain’s duties from the Germany international.

And Holding admits he would love the opportunity to skipper the side again.





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