Arsenal coach Unai Emery on Tuesday confirmed that Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be the new club captain.

Aubameyang takes over from Granit Xhaka, who was stripped of the role following his altercation with the club's fans when he was being substituted during the London side's 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace in late October.

Emery spoke at a press conference ahead of Arsenal's Europa League game against Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes.

Emery said he had spoken to Xhaka on Tuesday morning and told the Swiss international that he was no longer one of the captains in the team.

"He accepted my decision and also I told the captain and other captain my decision, we need to carry on and to focus on tomorrow's match and Saturday's match. I needed to take one decision, and now it is closed." Emery said.

Aubameyang captained Arsenal in Xhaka's absence in the 1-1 draw at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.

Aubameyang is also captain of the Gabon national team.

Emery also announced that right-back Hector Bellerin, striker Alexandre Lacazette and midfielder Mesut Ozil will be the club's other captains after Aubameyang.

Xhaka, who missed Arsenal's last two games against Chelsea and Wolves, has also been left out of the Gunners' squad to play Vitoria on Wednesday.

Source(s): arsenal.com