Arsenal icon Ray Parlour has urged Mikel Arteta to reintegrate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back into the side.
Aubameyang was stripped of his captaincy duties last month following a disciplinary breach and hasn't played for the Gunners since, with the Gabon international also reportedly training away from the rest of the first-team squad.
football.london understands that the north Londoners are open to offers for the 32-year-old, who wants to stay in Europe despite interest from Saudi side Al-Nassr whilst Barcelona and Juventus are keen on the veteran forward, according to The Athletic.
Arteta is keen to bring in a long-term replacement for the once prolific frontman, as well as out-of-contract forwards Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah and the likes of Real Sociedad's Alexander Isak has been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium.
Isak has a £75.4million release clause in his current contract and the aforementioned Parlour has told his old side to keep Aubameyang this month, a decision that could allow technical director Edu to save millions in the transfer market, potentially utilising those funds to buy a top-class midfielder instead.
“Of course they need him,” Parlour told talkSPORT when asked about the former Borussia Dortmund star.
“But you’ve also got to show your dominance as a manager and say you can’t be doing stuff – especially when you have a young team.
“As a captain you’ve got to set a good example, which is very important.
“I’d look up to Tony Adams back in the day and he set the example – and not by going to the pub by the way – but by being on time and making sure when you wear that shirt you play for the team.
“Stuff like that you learn as you go along. But the young players will look at that and see he’s turning up late and not doing this and will be thinking; ‘Can we do that as well?’
“It’s not a good look for Arsenal Football Club. Arteta’s come down strong on him and now it’s all about the reaction, for me. I’d give him another chance because he’s that good and can score you goals.”
