MIKEL ARTETA has refused to confirm whether Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has a future at Arsenal.
The striker, 32, was stripped of the Gunners captaincy earlier today after his ‘latest disciplinary breach’.
Quizzed whether the Gabonese star will play for Arsenal again, Arteta said noncommittally: “We need a bit of time.
“It needs a bit of time to heal. For now he’s not involved in the squad.”
Asked if Aubameyang, who has 18 months remaining on his bumper contract, would be sold in January – Arteta said: “All I can say right now is we have made this decision which is a tough one.
“I wouldn’t like to be sitting here talking about it. For now, he’s not involved in the squad.
“What I can say as for now, it’s been a lot to digest. It’s a difficult decision to make, it will take a bit of time.
“What I can tell you now, we made this because we are hurting. It needs a time to heal and he’s not involved.
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
“Since I’ve been here, the relationship has been really good. That’s why it’s painful.”
Asked if Aubameyang tried to argue his case, Arteta replied: “No. It was the way I like to do it, eye to eye. That’s it.
“That leadership group can be altered and you can have people in and out based on the topic you are discussing.
“When you need them to mature or be involved in something, that will be important in their education. They will be participating as well. It’s a team building thing.”
Arsenal’s captaincy has been referred to as ‘cursed’, with a number of their former skippers exiting the role under a cloud.
But Arteta hinted that he could replace Aubameyang with another stripped former captain, Granit Xhaka.
He added: “Granit is one of the captains and he’s part of the leadership group and is a really important players for us.”
Alexandre Lacazette captained Arsenal in their 3-0 win over Southampton on Saturday, and could continue against West Ham tomorrow night.
Aubameyang will not be involved in any capacity against David Moyes’ side.
Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/football/premier-league/how-man-city-lined-up-last-time-they-beat-leeds-in-premier-league-with-nicolas-anelka-and-peter-schmeichel-in-goal
