Following the retirement of Mikel Arteta from football to take up a coaching role at Manchester City, coach Arsene Wenger is set to name Per Mertesacker as the new Arsenal captain ahead of the new season, reports say.

The 31-year-old German defender, one of the most experienced players at the club, will be rewarded for his loyalty.

Mertesacker’s central defensive partner Laurent Koscielny will be given the vice-captaincy, while Petr Cech and Theo Walcott are alternate options if the former two aren’t on the pitch.

Despite being out of contract at the end of next season, Mertesacker is a trusted member of the squad and is the ‘chief fine collector’ at Arsenal’s London Colney training ground for players who commit misdemeanours including being late to training.

Talks over an extension for Mertesacker have yet to begin and manager Arsene Wenger is keen on bolstering his defence by signing highly-rated centre back Rob Holding, 20, from Bolton.