Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dismissed the idea of the club selling captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January.
The prospect was floated by former Manchester United pundit Gary Neville on Monday, who was speaking on Sky Sports after Arsenal lost to Everton.
Aubameyang was named on the bench for that game and he only came on for the final five minutes, with Arteta opting to throw on Eddie Nketiah before him.
Following that, Neville said: “I think there will be a problem with Aubameyang off the back of the this game.
“I suspect, if Arteta could probably get money for Aubameyang and he could get someone else, they probably would. And I bet if Aubameyang could move on he probably would as well because it could maybe turn a little sour.”
But speaking on Friday ahead of Saturday’s game with Southampton, Arteta said: “Really, we have never discussed something like this, and when players are under difficulty - or the team is under difficulty - what we have to be is supportive.”
The Spaniard was specifically quizzed about his relationship with Aubameyang and the prospect of it going “sour”.
And Arteta said: “I have a very good relationship with my players. Everyone has to understand that I always do the best for this club and for this team.
“And often if that can benefit any individuals, I will always do it. The decisions are not personal, the decisions are just to get performance, and the best out of the team. That’s it.”
