Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stripped of Arsenal Captaincy

Mikel Arteta has stripped Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the Arsenal Captaincy, following a string of breaches in the club’s discipline guidelines. The striker missed the Gunners last game, a 3-0 win over Southampton, and will miss their midweek game against West Ham, as he continues to be absent from the matchday squad.

It is rumoured the Gabon international returned home late from a trip abroad, and this began what has been a tumulus two weeks for the 32-year-old, resulting in losing the armband.

Arsenal boss Arteta stated the decision to remove Aubameyang as Captain was a difficult one, but one he felt he had to make.

"“We have made this decision that unfortunately is a really tough one,” said Arteta.“If I had to choose I wouldn’t like to be sitting here talking about it, but we had to do it.“When we have to make that decision, it’s because it’s the right one to defend the interests of the football club.” (via BBC Sport)"

Arteta also stated he was not sure when the player would return to the matchday squad, but said the player and the squad, would need some time following the decision.

The unfortunate truth is, this is not the first time Aubameyang has breached rules at Arsenal, having missing the North-London derby in March at the last minute for a ‘breach of pre-match protocol’ and it remains to see whether he has learnt his lesson or not.

Since joining the club in 2018, the player has seen the Gunner’s go through many transitions, but has always been one of the higher performers. He was made Captain by then boss Unai Emery in 2019, and was pivotal to Arteta’s major success in his time in charge, by scoring the winning goals in the 2020 FA Cup Final.

Since then, his form has stuttered, scoring four goals in 14 league games, and none since 22 October.

A new Captain is due to be announced in the near future, but that could be the least of the striker’s worries. It is no secret that Arsenal are in the market for a new striker, despite signing a new deal last year, Aubameyang could have put the last nail in his North-London coffin.