Arsenal: Petr Cech could be named Gunners captain ahead of next season

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering naming Petr Cech the captain of the team for the next season, as he is keen to give the armband to a regular starter. Mikel Arteta is currently the skipper but could leave the club or take up a coaching role following the expiry of his contract at the end of the season.

According to the Mirror, the French manager has been impressed with the Czech international's communication skills and leadership abilities and is keen to have a regular starter lead the team on a regular basis. The Gunners' new signing has started every Premier League game this season since his arrival from Chelsea in the summer and has formed a solid understanding with the defence, while playing a key role in Arsenal's title challenge.

Vice captain Per Mertesacker has donned the captain's armband for most of the season and has been a regular starter alongside Lauent Koscielny at the heart of the north London club's defence. The German, however, was ousted from the team by Gabriel in recent matches but has returned following an injury to the Brazilian. The report claims that if doubts rise over the former Werder Bremen midfielder's regular participation in the starting XI, Cech is likely to be named permanent skipper ahead of next season. Laurent Koscielny could also be a contender after the Frenchman captained the side in the absence of Mertesacker and Arteta during their games against Burnley and Southampton.

Koscielny, meanwhile, has hinted that he is fit and available for the north London club's upcoming clash against Hull City in the fifth round of the FA Cup, when he suggested that the team are ready to recreate the feeling of the 2014 final at Wembley against the Tigers, when the Gunners came from two goals down to lift the famous old trophy for the 11th time in the club's history.

"It will be a very important game for us. We want to win. After having some good memories against Hull City and we will try our best to have the same feeling again after the game," Koscielny said, as quoted by the Hull Daily Mail.

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