Mikel Arteta’s motivation for purportedly pushing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of Arsenal varies from Chelsea manager Graham Potter’s.
Graham Potter’s comments on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang seemingly contrast with the reported reason for his Arsenal exit last January. Mikel Arteta pushed Aubameyang out of the door after stripping him of his club captaincy, and he has also found himself frozen out at Chelsea.
The Blues’ frantic January transfer business has left the 33-year-old in the periphery of Potter’s squad.
He hasn’t featured since the 0-0 draw at Liverpool on January 21, leading many to ponder whether his discipline issues at Arsenal have re-emerged in west London.
However, when asked whether Aubameyang is still in his plans this season, Potter praised his work ethic and professionalism.
He said: “Well, we have David Fofana as well, who’s a centre-forward that we’ve signed, who’s is a young player with potential, we feel, there are also other forwards.
“Of course, Pierre [Emerick Aubameyang] is in our squad. He remains an important player for us. He’s worked hard. He knows the situation at the moment.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had discipline issues at Arsenal.
“Nothing’s set in stone. His attitude has been really, really good. We’ll make an assessment as we go forward.”
Arteta reportedly wanted him out of his squad due to consistent attitude problems, which ultimately led to him losing his captaincy.
Arsenal terminated Aubameyang’s contract last January, helping him secure a free transfer to Barcelona.
But he lasted just seven months in Catalonia before sealing a shock Premier League return as part of a swap deal with Marcos Alonso in September.
Chelsea sacked Thomas Tuchel days after Aubameyang arrived, though, setting a precedent for his uninspired stint at the club.
Chelsea boss Graham Potter has praised Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s attitude.
The Gabon international has scored just three goals in 18 appearances and arguably is no longer in the top three in Potter’s striker pecking order.
His lack of involvement over the last month begs the question of whether Potter’s public comments reflect his stance behind the scenes.
He is almost certain to be among the upcoming exodus at Stamford Bridge this summer, with the club desperately needing to trim their overcrowded squad.
But if what Potter says goes, Aubameyang is very much still in his thoughts until the end of the season.
