'I WANT LEADERS' Arsenal boss Unai Emery makes Laurent Koscielny his captain, and names four candidates for armband for Premier League opener

French defender is expected be out of action until the New Year after suffering with a serious ankle injury.

UNAI EMERY has picked injured Laurent Koscielny to be Arsenal's captain this season.

The Gunners boss also revealed four candidates that could wear the armband for Sunday's Premier League opener against Manchester City.

Koscielny ruptured his Achilles during a Europa League clash in May and he is not expected to return until the New Year.

Speaking about his decision, Emery said: "The first captain in this group is Koscielny.

"Then I told the players it will be Petr Cech, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil and Granit Xhaka.

"In my career I want leaders in the team.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech is one of Arsenal's vice-captains
"The representation for every player and in every time in the season the capacity to do that.

"For that maybe also they are in the team more leaders to show this capacity. Not only the players in the captain's group.

"These five players are in this possibility to be the captain."

"We are working. The next station is Sunday to show our capacity and mentality.

"To continue working I want one thing because it's very important for the players to take confidence our work, in ourselves."

Since taking over from Arsene Wenger, the Spanish coach has stressed the importance of leadership within the team.

Koscielny was vice-captain to German defender Per Mertesacker last season, who has now retired.

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