Arsenal have sold their last five captains in nine years

Thomas Vermaelen became the fifth current skipper to leave the club in the past nine years when he joined Barcelona, following Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie's departures. 

With new captain Mikel Arteta already into the last year of his contract, it does not bode well for the 

 Spaniard's chances of staying at the Emirates beyond next summer.

Arsene Wenger's willingness to sell his skippers - assets that should, traditionally, be at the very heart of any football club - betrays the Frenchman's lack of sentimentality, but also the lack of regard in which the Arsenal manager holds the position.

Both Thomas Vermaelen (left) and Patrick Vieira (right) were let go by Arsene Wenger

 

Robin van Persie wore Arsenal's captain's armband before leaving for Manchester United

Cesc Fabregas lead the Gunners before swapping north London for FC Barcelona in 2011

Thomas Vermaelen joined Barcelona for £15million last week and is presented as Barcelona's latest summer signing for the 2014-15 season