Arsène Wenger has named Mikel Arteta as Arsenal's new captain, replacing Thomas Vermaelen.
Vermaelen was sold this week to Barcelona.
Arteta, 32, is entering his third full season at the Emirates and previously captained Everton under David Moyes.
Asked who would take over from Vermaelen as club captain, Wenger said: "One: Arteta and two: Mertesacker. Arteta will be captain and Mertesacker vice-captain."