Mikel Arteta told why Kieran Tierney should be next Arsenal captain

Mikel Arteta has been told by Arsenal cult hero Emmanuel Frimpong why Kieran Tierney should be the next Gunners captain.

Arteta and the Emirates hierarchy stripped Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the armband earlier this week, having arrived back late from a trip to France.

The Gabon striker was also left out of Wednesday's win over West Ham as a result, and will miss Saturday's trip to Leeds.

However, Arteta now has a serious job on his hands to find Aubameyang's successor as captain.

The favourite appears to be Granit Xhaka, who was removed from the role under Unai Emery, but has found new life with Arteta in charge.

But former Gunners midfielder Frimpong reckons Scottish left-back Tierney is a better shout, with Ben White also possibly in the running to take the armband long-term.

He told the Sun : "I would like Tierney to be the captain.

"I also really like Ben White. I think Ben White can become a future captain for Arsenal.

"Most likely it's going to be Xhaka again which I'm not sure about as we've been there, done that. We need someone fresh. I would personally give it to Tierney for now."

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Many questioned Arteta's sharp decision to remove Aubameyang as captain, but Frimpong insists that the captain has to set the right example for the rest of the squad.

"I feel like in any profession there must be a professional attitude," he added.

"And we all know Aubameyang has had one or two problems with coming late so I feel it was the right call.

"He's the captain and there has to be an example so the younger players in the squad can follow."

There is now talk that Aubameyang, who earns £350,000-a-week on a deal with 18 months left to run, could be sold in January after Arteta's brutal decision.

And Frimpong reckons that might be a good call to get in a younger frontman so Arteta can continue to shape his side for years to come.

"I think it would be good for Arsenal to cash in," Frimpong went on. "Look at his age, he's getting older, and we need a new striker that we can have for the next five years.

"He's a great player but this is the best time to cash in. It will be difficult though, as he's on very good wages. It's not going to be easy to get him out."