Mikel Arteta explains Granit Xhaka armband snub

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that Granit Xhaka rejected the captain's armband against Brentford as Kieran Tierney was "next in line".

Alexandre Lacazette now acts as the Gunners' captain since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's exit for Barcelona but ceded the armband after being taken off in the dying embers of Saturday's 2-1 win.

Eddie Nketiah attempted to hand the armband to former captain Xhaka, but the Switzerland skipper refused to accept it as Tierney ultimately saw out the game with the captaincy.

The episode sparked confusion among the Arsenal fanbase, with Xhaka previously wearing the armband before being stripped of it by Unai Emery after an outburst towards supporters.

Arteta has now clarified the situation, telling reporters: "It was for Kieran. Kieran was the next in line and that's the reason why. Maybe Eddie didn't pick it up and Granit told him he should have to give it to Kieran. That's it."

Goals from Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe got Arsenal over the line against Brentford to boost their top-four hopes, and Xhaka is still thought to be on Roma's radar ahead of the summer window.