Paul Merson slams Unai Emery's policy to select new Arsenal captain

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has slammed Gunners boss Unai Emery after the Spaniard left it to the players to decide on the next club-captain.

Earlier this month, Merson said that David Luiz is a 'serial winner' and the Brazilian should get the captain's armband ahead of Granit Xhaka, given he remains an undisputed starter.

However, that has certainly not been the case, and Xhaka was recently announced as the permanent Gunners captain after he received the most number of votes from the players in the first-team squad.

Speaking to The Star, Merson did not hold back in his criticism of Emery and said that the head coach should have made the decision on his own without asking his players.

“Why is Unai Emery asking his players to vote on who should be captain? It’s pathetic. Seriously. Make a decision!” he was quoted as saying by the publication.

“Granit Xhaka started off captain but he’s not a foregone conclusion to start every week. So I’ll tell you someone who should be – David Luiz. And that’s why he should be captain."

Xhaka has been slow with his decision-making from midfield this season and a section of the club's fans have been critical regarding his performances.

This has not changed the perception of Emery and the Spaniard regards Xhaka as one of the permanent figures in midfield this season, provided he is fit.