Per Mertesacker appointed Arsenal skipper

Per Mertesacker has been selected as the new club captain of Arsenal following the retirement of former armband wearer Mikel Arteta.

The big German defender is out of contention for a number of months with a knee injury, but has been rewarded for his five years of service to the Gunners with the leadership role.

"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)," said manager Arsene Wenger.

"(Due to his spell on the sidelines) it will be taken by the assistants. One of them will be (Laurent) Koscielny, also (Santi) Cazorla - the experienced players - (Petr) Cech maybe."

In the absences of Mertesacker, the similarly sidelined Gabriel Paulista, and Koscielny, who may be rested for Sunday's visit of Liverpool, Wenger could select a central defensive pairing from Calum Chambers, Rob Holding, Nacho Monreal, and Francis Coquelin.

Arsenal has added Holding and Granit Xhaka to the first team over the summer transfer window, and both could make their debuts in the weekend's clash with the Reds.