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Arsenal boss Arteta not considering Aubameyang exit in January transfer window

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said he doesn't "even think about that possibility" of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaving the club in January.

Recent reports had suggested the former Borussia Dortmund forward is hoping to depart the Emirates in this transfer window.

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However, after sealing his first win as Arsenal manger following their 2-0 success over Manchester United, Arteta has said he won't entertain the thought of the club captain moving on.

"I don't even think about that possibility [of him leaving] with Auba," Arteta said in a news conference ahead of the FA Cup third round clash with Leeds on Monday. "I want him here."

Another player rumoured to be leaving in January is former captain Granit Xhaka. Sources have told ESPN the Switzerland international is keen to join Hertha Berlin, with Xhaka's agent later claiming terms over a move had been agreed with the Bundesliga side.

However, Arteta said he has spoken to the 27-year-old, who was stripped of the captaincy following a clash with Arsenal supporters, to understand why he was considering leaving the club.

"I had a conversation with him and I wanted to understand his feelings first, the reason why he was thinking here probably wasn't the right place to continue his career," Arteta said. "I gave him my opinion, my perspective, and I told him that I was ready to support him from the club perspective.

"I wanted his teammates to get his back and help him to change his mind because we need him. I believe that if we were able to do that the fans would respond in a positive way.

"I've seen him act every day, how he trains, how he lives his profession and the quality of the player. He could be a really important player for the club."

Pushed on whether, regardless, a move to Hertha could still happen, Arteta added: "I hope [not]. I don't want him [to leave]. I said to the club no and I said to him no. After in life I cannot control what happens."

Meanwhile, Arsenal have announced defender Calum Chambers will miss the remainder of the campaign after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee