Despite scoring 14 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions so far for the Gunners this season, Aubameyang often struggles to make an impact under the Spanish coach.
Arsenal were comfortably beaten by Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday and Aubameyang was part of the players who were criticized due to their uninspiring performances.
In an interview with MailSport, Keown has urged his former club to drop Aubameyang for the young Brazilian striker.
“Arteta has a big decision to make on his captain. He set an example by dropping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for the north London derby recently. Aubameyang was supposed to start against Spurs but turned up late and was pulled.
“Should Arteta not be dropping him for performing as poorly as he did against Liverpool? If he sticks with him, he risks losing the respect of the group.
“It’s time to bring in 19-year-old Gabriel Martinelli. He is too good to be sitting on the bench. His teammates see him in training and know what he can do. They will be baffled by his continued absence. I know I am.
“Use him on the left. Use Martinelli’s fellow 19-year-old Bukayo Saka on the right. Start Emile Smith Rowe. Then you’ll have a team who can pose problems for the opposition. There were too many passengers against Liverpool.
“They had Aubameyang on the left, Alexandre Lacazette central and Nicolas Pepe on the right – three club-record signings – but they missed the energy and drive of Smith Rowe and Saka.
“There is no time for Arsenal’s players to feel sorry for themselves. They need to bounce back against a Prague side who have knocked Leicester and Rangers out of the Europa League.
“Arteta has big decisions to make – ones he needs to get right.”
