Mikel Arteta sends clear message to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ahead of Arsenal reunion

Mikel Arteta addressed the elephant in the room during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Chelsea game, sending a clear message to Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang.

Arsenal welcome Chelsea at the Emirates as the Gunners aim to keep pace with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.

Arteta's side can go ahead of Pep Guardiola with a victory, although City will have the chance to restore their lead with two games in hand.

Chelsea travel to north London in dismal form having picked up just two points in their last six league matches.

But with bragging rights up for grabs in the capital, both teams are expected to be at each other's throats from the referee's whistle.

And to add to the drama, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in line to face his former club, after things ended on a sour note between the 33-year-old and Mikel Arteta.

Arteta sends message to Aubameyang

Aubameyang enjoyed great success at the Emirates, scoring 69 goals in 142 appearances, memorably scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Chelsea.

However, the striker was banished from training after turning up late and he soon fell out of favour under the Arsenal boss.

The pair were unable to patch up their damaged relationship and Aubameyang packed his bags for Barcelona.

Over a year later and Aubameyang is back at the Emirates, but he will be lining up for Chelsea, with Frank Lampard revealing he could hand the player a start.

Although, Arteta had little interest in reigniting his feud with the former Borussia Dortmund star, instead thanking him for his contribution to the club.

When asked what sort of reception Aubameyang should receive at the Emirates, Arteta urged fans to pay their respects to the forward.

“Let's say thank you, pay respect and gratitude for what he was, Arteta said. "He was an incredible player for us, scored a lot of goals, he was our captain, and he deserves that.”

Topics: Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, Premier League, Chelsea, Football, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno