Club legend Martin Keown has claimed that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should have been named as Arsenal's new captain.
After the role became vacant as a result of Laurent Koscielny's return to France, manager Unai Emery held a vote between his first-team squad, which has led to Granit Xhaka being given the skipper's armband.
However, with the Switzerland international's form being continually criticised, Keown has suggested that Emery should have given the extra responsibility to second-choice Aubameyang.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the former centre-back said: "This is a massive call and I think perhaps [Emery] has got it wrong. This is really going to divide the fans. There are times when Xhaka goes missing in midfield, he's given penalties away. He must be an incredible character off the pitch.
"It's surprising, particularly how he was booed off the pitch less than a week ago. It's a brave decision by the manager, he's picked him every time he's available so he clearly believes in the player, but I'm surprised, I must say.
"You need to be sure the captain is going to be in the team and he's on borrowed time. There are others in that group, Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi, Dani Ceballos, who are starting to progress, so if Xhaka is still going to be a permanent fixture than I'm surprised by that.
"I would have gone for Aubameyang, he would have been a pretty good fit. It might have given him a little more extra responsibility. He's doing fantastically well at the moment and he's secure in the team, he's a regular."
Xhaka's first game in his new official role will be away at Manchester United on Monday night.
Darren Plant
