Loss of captaincy and exclusion from squad could be just the start for Aubameyang

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta found himself embroiled in yet more drama on Tuesday as it was announced that Piere-Emerick Aubameyang had been officially stripped of his status as club captain.

The Gabonese striker was excluded from the Gunners’ squad for the game against Southampton on Saturday for a ‘disciplinary breach’ and a club statement on Tuesday confirmed that the player would no longer captain Arteta’s side, due to a ‘lack of commitment’.

The situation is yet more unwanted drama for the club, as Aubameyang had taken over the captaincy from Granit Xhaka, who was stripped of the responsibility by Unai Emery in 2019.

Now, talk has turned to who could replace the Gabon international, with Xhaka one name mentioned, as well as Aaron Ramsdale and Kieran Tierney.

However, for Aubameyang, there could be yet more drama to follow, as the striker is reportedly being linked with a move to Spain.

Aubameyang was reportedly late to report for a Covid test after visiting his sick mother

As per The Independent, the 32-year-old is a target for Barcelona, who are desperate to sign a striker in the January transfer window.

Newly-appointed Barca boss Xavi is believed to be keen on acquiring a striker to bolster his misfiring front line, and Aubameyang has been touted as a suitable candidate with a deal potentially suiting all parties.

The report says that one potential stumbling block in the way of a deal could be the striker’s wages, as he is believed to be currently earning as much as £350,000-per-week.

The former Borussia Dortmund man has 18 months left on his current deal with the Gunners, however his recent disagreements with Arteta could spell a premature end to his time in North London.

One option that has been touted is a potential swap deal for Ousmane Dembele, as the Frenchman is also on very high wages.

Manchester United’s Edinson Cavani is another option apparently being considered by the La Liga giants as they look to save their season.