Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should relinquish the captaincy to help rediscover his form, according to former Aston Villa and Chelsea star Andy Townsend. Aubameyang has scored just four goals in all competitions this season. His equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Southampton last Wednesday was his first from open play in the Premier League for over three months.
Aubameyang was made captain by Unai Emery in November 2019 after Granit Xhaka was stripped of the armband.
The former Borussia Dortmund star scored 29 goals in all competitions last term and led Mikel Arteta's side to FA Cup glory with a brace in both the semi-final and final.
However, it has been a completely different story for the 31-year-old this season.
Aubameyang signed a new contract in September to keep him at Arsenal until 2023 but has struggled ever since.
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Arsenal news: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is one of the Gunners' record signings (Image: EXPRESS)
“They tried to find a solution for that recently, but his own performances have been so off the pace that it’s made it difficult for Arteta to continually play him there.
“I’d say, ‘listen, if it’s going to help you, give the armband to someone else if it’s going to get you back to the man that you were’, and then do it.
“The best way Aubameyang can lead is not by trying to clench his fists and going up to players and sticking it in their faces, it’s to put the ball in the back of the net.
“Do what he does naturally. That’s the best way he can lead.”