Xavi aims subtle dig at Mikel Arteta after Arsenal sanctioned Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer

Barcelona manager Xavi has aimed a possible dig at Mikel Arteta when speaking about how Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has settled in with his new club.

The Gabon international completed a free transfer to Barca earlier this month after Arsenal agreed to terminate the striker's contract following a falling out with Arteta.

Aubameyang was stripped of the captain's armband at the Emirates Stadium after another disciplinary issue. His last performance for Arsenal came in the defeat to Everton in early December.

So, Aubameyang's nightmare at the Gunners came to an end in early February, when he finally completed a move to Barcelona on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old striker was handed his first competitive start for Barcelona in their Europa League clash with Napoli on Thursday evening, in a brand-new front three, which included Adama Traore and Ferran Torres.

Prior to the match, Barca boss Xavi was asked about Aubameyang and how he has settled in with the Catalan club, and his new manager lauded the striker's professionalism.

He said: "He is training very well, he needed stronger sessions. He is already 100% and we will see him play for sure. He is a player who can make a difference, he works well in spaces and makes good runs into the area.

"He's put in performances in recent years that have been very good. I am very happy with him, he is working positively in our group and he is very professional."

Arteta previously spoke about the incident that led to the fallout with Aubameyang and hinted that the striker lacked the professionalism, where he said he demanded "respect and commitment", that Xavi is speaking about now.

The Arsenal boss said this in December: "I do not establish my authority by being dictatorial or being