Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has attempted to quash talk of Granit Xhaka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaving the club.
Both the former and current captain have been linked with moves away from the Emirates with Xhaka said to have been close to sealing a move to Jurgen Klinsmann's Hertha Berlin.
And despite recently being handed the captain's armband by former head coach Unai Emery, Aubameyang was believed to have been keen on a move away from Arsenal in the January transfer window.
But speaking ahead of their FA Cup 3rd round meeting with Leeds United, Arteta said neither player will be leaving this month.
Xhaka's fractious relationship with the Arsenal fans broke down completely in October when he was booed by the Emirates faithful having been substituted in their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.
The Swiss midfielder lashed out at his treatment, but subsequently apologized and has worked his way back into the first team playing the full 90-minutes of the 2-0 New Year's Day win at home to Manchester United.
Arteta says he's spoken with Xhaka seeking his feelings on a potential move, adding, "his reasoning why he was thinking it probably wasn't the right place for him to continue his career.
"I gave him my opinion, my perspective, and I told him that I was ready to support him from the club perspective," Arteta said, "and I wanted his team-mates to have his back to help him to change his mind. We need him."
Arteta feels he has no cause to question Xhaka's attitude, "I've seen him act every day, how he trains and how he lives his profession, as well as the quality of the player.
"I think he could be a really important player for the club. From my perspective, I don't want him to leave.
"I said no to the club and I said no to him! After, in life, I cannot control what happens."
Aubameyang has scored 15 goals in 25 appearances in all competitions this season, and Arteta is keen to see the Gabon striker add to that tally, "I don’t even think about that possibility with Auba [of him leaving]. I want him here."
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