What Arteta said about Aubameyang Arsenal future after captain duties removed

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is not available for selection this weekend.

Earlier this week, Arteta stripped the Gunners striker of the captain’s armband.

“We expect all our players, particularly our captain, to work to the rules and standards we have all set and agreed,” read an Arsenal statement.

While Arteta hasn’t disclosed how the striker broke the rules, he reportedly returned late from a trip abroad.

Aubameyang wasn’t in the Arsenal squad against Southampton and West Ham.

And now, Arteta has confirmed he won’t feature away at Leeds on Saturday either.

Speaking to football.london on Friday, Arteta remained coy about the 32-year-old’s availability and long-term future.

The outlet asked him whether Aubameyang was available for selection.

“No, he’s not available for selection,” replied Arteta.

And when asked whether Aubameyang has a future at the club, the Spaniard’s eight-word reply was equally coy.

“For this game, he’s not available for selection,” said Arteta.

Stripping Aubameyang of the captain’s armband is one thing, but not repeatedly picking him altogether is another.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for the Gabon international at the Emirates.

And with the January transfer window coming up, could Arteta go on to offload the £56million man?