Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future has come under intense scrutiny after he was stripped of the captaincy and left out of the Arsenal squad for their 3-0 win against Southampton.
The Gunners have since announced that Aubameyang will again be left out of their next game, a derby clash with West Ham.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta explained his reasoning behind the club’s decision in a pre-match press conference, saying: “It’s a really clear statement from the club and it’s a decision we have made following the last incident with the player and this is where we stand.
“We have made this decision that unfortunately is a really tough one. 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. For now, it’s been a lot to digest and a really difficult decision to make, so we need a bit of time.
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“It was really hurting and he needs a bit of time to heal. On his relationship with Aubameyang, Arteta added: “Since I have been here, really good – that’s what is painful.
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If you think Arteta’s plans for a top-four finish won’t be derailed by this mid-season drama then Unibet Australia is offering 11/2 odds on the Gunners to finish in a Champions League place.
Arsenal seldom makes big transfer moves in the January window, but may be forced into the market should a resolution between the club and now ex-captain not be reached.
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Alexandre Lacazette is out of contract in the summer and reports of loan moves for Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun could ramp up the need for a new striker.
Dusan Vlahovic is being targeted as a potential replacement for Aubamayang, with reports from Italy suggesting Arsenal have set aside a “huge chunk” of their transfer budget to tempt away the Fiorentina talisman.
Arsenal will face stiff competition for the prolific frontman from a number of big European clubs, with it being claimed that Vlahovic’s preference is to stay in Italy with a move to Juventus looking increasingly likely.
Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso had strong words for Arsenal and Juventus insisting they know that any and all negotiations should be held with him directly before approaching Vlahovic.
“I don’t know if Juventus are able to sign Vlahovic in January,” said Commisso.
“But I want to say to Juventus or Arsenal that we [Fiorentina] are the ‘owners’ of Vlahovic. They should open talks with us, not with his agents.” Fiorentina has tried desperately to tie Vlahovic down to a longer contract but has failed on numerous occasions, with the Serbian eyeing a move to a bigger club.
Speaking back in October, Commisso said: “As you know, Fiorentina made a very significant offer to the player. Our proposal would have made him the highest-paid player in the history of the club.
“We also improved our offer on a number of occasions in order to accommodate the requests of both Dusan and his entourage. However, despite our efforts, those offers have not been accepted.
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“During my time in Florence over the past few weeks, I have personally endeavored to find a solution that would make both the player and the club happy, but I am disappointed to say that our efforts and attempts have not been rewarded.”
Since contract talks at Fiorentina have crumbled, a number of Italian outlets claim both Spurs and the Gunners are keen to bring the 21-year-old – who has netted an impressive 15 Serie A goals this season – to north London.
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