Ahead of the derby against fellow London side West Ham, the Gunners have dropped Aubameyang as the captain.
Arsenal have stripped Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the club’s captaincy.
The Gabon international was dropped from the squad on the weekend as Arsenal defeated Southampton 3-0 at home. He won’t return for Wednesday’s Premier League clash with West Ham United either.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta previously explained his decision to drop Aubameyang was down to a ‘disciplinary breach’, but he refused to share any more details.
🗣 "Unfortunately due to a disciplinary breach."
Mikel Arteta explains why Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is not in the Arsenal squad today pic.twitter.com/Je1cIvm5oA
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) December 11, 2021
Nonetheless, Aubameyang’s conduct and future at the club have come under question. Several former Premier League stars, including ex-Gunners stars Martin Keown and Paul Merson, have questioned whether the 32-year-old should be allowed to continue as captain.
Now, in a blunt statement on Tuesday afternoon, Arsenal have confirmed their decision.
“Following his latest disciplinary breach last week, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will no longer be our club captain, and will not be considered for selection for Wednesday’s match against West Ham United,” read a statement.
“We expect all our players, particularly our captain, to work to the rules and standards we have all set and agreed.
“We are fully focused on tomorrow’s match.”
Arsenal have not announced yet who will replace Aubameyang as the club’s new captain.