Crocked Per new Arsenal captain

PER MERTESACKER has been named as Arsenal’s new captain, even though the injured Germany defender may not play again this year.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will choose from a pool of experienced players to lead the side during Mertesacker’s absence.

“Per is a very respected figure in the dressing-room, is loved as well and is also a very demanding figure,” Wenger said.

“I think it is absolutely natural to be him. In his absence, that’s where it will be taken by the assistants. One of them will be Laurent Koscielny, also Santi Cazorla – the experienced players – Petr Cech maybe.

“We will have a group of people that will take care of the energy levels and the problems of the team.”

Arsenal needed to appoint a new captain following Mikel Arteta’s departure this summer.

Mertesacker, who joined Arsenal from Werder Bremen in 2011, suffered a knee injury in a pre-season friendly with Lens and could be sidelined for up to five months.