Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stripped of Arsenal captaincy after disciplinary breach
Aubameyang will not feature in Wednesday's Premier League clash with West Ham
Arsenal's Spanish head coach Mikel Arteta (R) speaks with Arsenal's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (L) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 1, 2020 (Image: (Photo by IAN KINGTON/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images))
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been stripped of the Arsenal captaincy.
Arsenal confirmed on Tuesday morning that Aubameyang will no longer be the club captain and he will not feature in the Gunners' Premier League clash against West Ham this week.
Aubameyang was dropped from Arsenal's squad on Saturday, when Mikel Arteta's side beat Southampton.
It's understood that the Gabonese striker returned late from a trip abroad and The Guardian reports that Arteta made the decision to strip Aubameyang, along with Arsenal's hierarchy.
A club statement reads: "Following his latest disciplinary breach last week, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will no longer be our club captain, and will not be considered for selection for Wednesday's match against West Ham United.
"We expect all our players, particularly our captain, to work to the rules and standards we have all set and agreed. We are fully focused on tomorrow's match."
This is not the first time that Aubameyang has been punished for a breach of club discipline.
Earlier this year, the 32-year-old was left out of the team that beat Tottenham Hotspur, again for being late.
Aubameyang was made Arsenal captain two years ago, after predecessor Granit Xhaka was stripped of the armband for his reaction to being booed by the club's supporters.
The forward still has 18 months left on his contract at the Emirates and it would surprise few if he is moved on, despite his undeniable talents.
Who could replace him?
Arsenal did not state who will be taking over as club captain after Aubameyang but it's quite likely that his strike partner Alexandre Lacazette will take it, having worn the armband in Aubameyang's absence on Saturday.
Defenders Gabriel, Kieran Tierney and Rob Holding have all emerged as leaders in the Arsenal dressing room, while goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is also an option.
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