Mikel Arteta responds to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang criticism at Arsenal, saying he is the 'solution, not the problem'

Mikel Arteta has defended the way he handled Pierre-Emerick Aubamyang’s exit from Arsenal, saying he was “the solution, 100 per cent”. Aubameyang left on a free transfer to join Barcelona in the January transfer window after falling out of favour with Arteta. Ad/> Aubameyang was stripped of the captaincy in December after a disciplinary breach and did not play for the club again.

FootballPique to Haaland: If you want the Ballon d'Or, don't join same team as Mbappe03/02/2022 AT 10:36 After joining Barca on Deadline Day last month the striker said his only “problem” was with Arsenal manager Arteta. “That’s his opinion, that’s what he said and you have to respect that,” said Arteta on Wednesday. “I’m extremely grateful for what Auba has done and his contribution.

The way I see myself in that relationship is the solution, not the problem. Aubameyang says Arteta was reason he left Arsenal West Ham sponsor 'evaluating relationship' with club «I've been the solution, 100 per cent. I can look in the eye of anybody.

The intention all the time is the best and not for me, it's for the club and the team. »It ended up the best possible way for everyone I think. This is part of football.

You have to make a decision that the best thing to do was let him move on and now he plays for Barcelona." Arteta also confirmed that Alexandre Lacazette will be the club’s captain until the end of the season. Lacazette is one of only two recognised strikers, along with Eddie Nketiah, left in the Arsenal squad following Aubameyang’s exit. Arsenal also let Folarin Balogun join Middlesbrough on loan in January.