Aubameyang takes swipe at English media amid Arsenal exit reports

Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has played down speculations suggesting Arsenal were prepared to sell him and has instead taken swipe at the English media.

As per reports, Arsenal officials were ready to cash in on the forward with two European heavyweights lurking after Aubameyang refused to sign a contract extension which expires in June 2021.

Earlier in the season, Aubameyang was handed the skipper’s armband, but it has been reported that the player’s willingness to win trophies and play in the Champions League again is the primary reason for his intent to leave Emirates Stadium.

However, after Arsenal’s famous victory against rivals Manchester United on New Year’s Day, Aubameyang was quick to distance himself from exit claims.

The forward spoke to French outlet RMC Sport after the match, and said: “The English press likes to talk a lot. For now, I’m here. I’m 100 per cent here.”

Although one might argue that the comments aren’t exactly conclusive, there is no doubting Aubameyang’s commitment to the cause for Arsenal.

When Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was asked on the status of Aubameyang, who has 15 goals in all competitions this season, leaving the club this transfer window, Arteta said: “I don’t even think about that possibility [of him leaving] with Auba. I want him here.”

Arteta meanwhile also cleared the air that surrounded regarding Granit Xhaka’s future. The gaffer stated that he expects Granit Xhaka to remain at the club despite being linked with a move to Hertha Berlin.

“I think he will stay,” Arteta said. “He was very good. I really like him. The way we want to play, if we get him on board he can be a tremendous player for the football club.

“It is everything – his commitment, I like the way he is, the way he lives, his professional(ism), and the way he trains.

“How focused he is every time I am talking, he is listening and willing to learn and he is a great football player.

“The way we want to play, there are not as many with his quality on the ball and the way he eliminates passes, and the range of his pass. I am delighted to have him.”

When asked whether Xhaka had told him he would not move away during this January transfer window, Arteta replied: “He did, yes.”