In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Sheffield United striker Brian Deane has claimed that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has downed tools at Arsenal this season.

After recording an excellent tally of 22 goals in the Premier League last term, the 31-year-old has not quite been at it this time round.

Much was expected of the Arsenal captain after he led his side to the 2019/20 FA Cup trophy and signed a new contract said to be worth £250,000-a-week. But he has really struggled at times this campaign, going on disappointing runs without goals, attracting criticism as a result.

And, speaking exclusively to FFC, Deane can understand why Aubameyang has come under fire of late. On the £31.5m-rated Gabon international, he said:

"Aubameyang signs a new contract and then basically downed tools. You know, [Alexandre] Lacazette, and I like both players because I think they've got great attributes, I just wonder about how mentally strong they are on the pitch as leaders."

Arsenal as a whole, though, have really disappointed this season. The team's performances in the league particularly have not been good enough, with Mikel Arteta's men nowhere near the top four.

It will now be interesting to see how the Spaniard goes about bringing improvement, with the summer transfer window possibly being a solution.