Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey tipped to become next Arsenal captain after Aubameyang exit

Former England and Tottenham striker Darren Bent has tipped Thomas Partey to become the next Arsenal captain after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's exit to Barcelona in the winter transfer window.

The role is currently held by Alexandre Lacazette on an interim basis with the final decision by the club expected before the start of next season.

Lacazette took the armband until the end of the season, and the former striker believes he might as well retain it if he extends his contract with the North Londoners.

"If Lacazette signs a new contract and stays, then he has to have the armband," Bent said as quoted by HITC.

"Even if he doesn’t play as much. I think as club captain, he looks like a proper leader. The players look like they enjoy playing with Lacazette as well.

"[Martin] Odegaard, I like him. But is he the most vocal? I am not quite sure. That’s the problem with Arsenal.

"Then you start looking around the Arsenal dressing room. Thomas Partey, if he can stay fit, potentially. Ben White would be the one or Tierney. There would be a couple before Odegaard."