Despite that, Arsene Wenger believes that Mertesacker was the natural choice for the honour.
“Per is a very respected figure in the dressing room, is loved as well and is also a very demanding figure. I think it is absolutely natural to be [him],” Wenger told the club's official website.
“[In his absence] that’s where it will be taken by the assistants. One of them will be Koscielny, also Cazorla - the experienced players - Cech maybe.
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Arsenal have confirmed Per Mertesacker as club captain
“We will have a group of people that will take care of the energy levels and the problems of the team. That will be down a lot to the experienced players.”
Despite hinting at Koscielny and Cech, Wenger has refused to name who will skipper the side for tomorrow's crunch clash with Liverpool.
The Gunners are aiming to win the league title for the first time since 2004, where they went the whole season unbeaten.
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