Arsenal have a lengthy list of requirements as the summer transfer window begins to creep into view. The Gunners are in dire need of forward options, whilst an extra presence in midfield will not go amiss.
Whilst positionally, there is plenty for Mikel Arteta and Edu to consider and shop for, there is also a crucial role that could need filling before the 2022/23 campaign kicks off. That is the captain’s position, with the role having undergone considerable overhaul over the past few seasons.
Since current boss Arteta was bestowed with the armband, the likes of Laurent Koscielny, Granit Xhaka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have come and gone from the role - some of those in particular passing on the job in explosive circumstances. As it stands, Alexandre Lacazette is the club’s full-time captain since former strike partner’s Aubamenyang’s move to Barcelona.
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The Frenchman is not expected to be in the role for very long though. His contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign and should he wave goodbye then it is down to Arteta to appoint yet another Arsenal captain.
Whilst there are of course options currently at the Emirates Stadium - the likes of Martin Odegaard, Aaron Ramsdale and Kieran Tierney emerging as the most likely candidates - the Gunners could potentially turn to the transfer market to find their next leader. Former target Raheem Sterling whilst not the most experienced on the captain front was bestowed with the honour in England’s recent 3-0 win against the Ivory Coast.
Handed the armband by Gareth Southgate, the Manchester City star enjoyed an extremely profitable evening as he set up Ollie Watkins for the opening goal at Wembley before then getting on the scoresheet himself. The winger’s contributions for the Three Lions add to the impressive form that he has displayed for Pep Guardiola’s men having netted 14 goals in all competitions.
Talking to journalists after the game, Sterling revealed his delight at having been named as captain for England.
He said: "A good night, it's always an honour to get given the opportunity to wear the captain's armband, I wore it with great pride. It was a great team performance in the end.
"It's a great privilege and never in my wildest imagination as a young player coming through did I ever think I would captain England one day, it comes with maturity the manager sees in you, the passion and love I have for the country.”
It remains to be seen whether Sterling is handed the armband for both England or Manchester City on more occasions in the future but the fact that he was trusted in the first place certainly bodes well. So, whilst his finishing ability would certainly be welcomed at the Emirates Stadium, his leadership skills would also be an extremely useful addition in north London.
A deal is not expected to be cheap though. Sterling is currently valued at £76m by transfermarkt and Manchester City will likely not make it easy for an agreement to be reached on one of their star men.
Nevertheless, with just over two years remaining on his current Etihad contract, the Gunners could potentially be set to take advantage as they aim to tick off a number of purchasing on their summer shopping list.
