Manager Arsene Wenger believes Jack Wilshere has earned the right to become the next Arsenal captain.
It's somewhat of a surprising revelation considering Wilshere's future at the club is in doubt after the midfielder expressed his pessimism earlier this month about the possibility of signing a new contract before his deal expires this summer.
Fitness and inconsistency have been concerns throughout his time in north London, but Wenger believes the 26-year-old is worthy of succeeding Per Mertesacker as the club's new captain based on multiple factors concerning his association with Arsenal.
"(Wilshere) was born here basically," Wenger said to beIN Sports. "He has a long history with the club, strong link with the club. As well he is the kind of leader for his attitude and for his tactical knowledge on the pitch.
"Apart from his technical top qualities he has personality and is in the right place on the pitch, and now with the maturity to organise around him. That's why I played him central.
"I just thought the combination of history, the fact that he's a long-term player for the club, the fact that he has experience and knowledge now, I trust now to make him captain."
Talks over a new contract reportedly stalled when the two sides failed to come to an agreement, as Arsenal allegedly proposed a deal that would see his weekly earnings reduced to £80,000.
After spending last season on loan with Bournemouth, Wilshere has performed well enough this season to earn a call-up to England. However, Wilshere suffered a knock in training that forced him to withdraw from the national team Saturday.
