Arsenal Transfer News: Mikel Arteta opens up on rumors of Aubaemyang leaving the club in the ongoing January transfer window.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been sensational for Arsenal since joining the club in January 2018. However, the striker has been rumoured to be unhappy at the club and is said to be demanding a move away from the club following their poor showing this season.
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Newly appointed Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta however, harbours no desire to see the Gabonese forward leave the Emirates and has reiterated the same in a press conference ahead of the Gunners’ third round FA Cup tie with Leeds United, where he also reiterated his desire to keep midfielder Granit Xhaka at the club.
I don’t want him to leave
“I had a conversation with him and I wanted to understand his feelings, the reason why he was feeling he wasn’t in the right place for his career,” Arteta said in his press conference.
“I told him I was ready to support him. I wanted his team-mates to get his back, to help him change his mind because we need him.
“I’ve seen him act and train every day and the quality of the player. He can be a really quality player for the club
“From my perspective I don’t want him to leave, I hope. I said to the club no, I said to him no. After in life I cannot control what happens.”
Aubameyang reaffirmed his manager’s faith in him staying after the win against Manchester United on Wednesday night where he assured his commitment to the club,
“The English press likes to talk a lot,” he told French outlet RMC. “For now, I’m here. I’m 100% here.”
Aubameyang, who has mostly been deployed as a wide forward this season, has easily been Arsenal’s best player this season. He has scored 13 goals in 21 matches so far and is their highest scorer. It is no wonder that the club wants to hold on to him for as long as possible.
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