Former Chelsea star Andy Townsend believes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should be relieved of Arsenal captaincy duties.

The Gunners have struggled this season and their form has not been helped by Aubameyang's own poor performances.

The former Borussia Dortmund star has scored scored just one Premier League goal from open play since signing a new deal back in September.

Townsend told talkSPORT: “Since they gave him his deal, since he's become captain, he looks like a different man.

“He got his goal against Southampton; I watched him score that goal and I like to see him in a position where you've got a chance to get a goal.

“All this stuff where he's drifting out wide and he's crossing balls for others, I don't get that.

“They tried to find a solution for that recently, but his own performances have been so off the pace that it's made it difficult for Arteta to continually play him there.

“I'd say, 'listen, if it's going to help you, give the armband to someone else if it's going to get you back to the man that you were', and then do it.

“The best way Aubameyang can lead is not by trying to clench his fists and going up to players and sticking it in their faces, it's to put the ball in the back of the net.

“Do what he does naturally. That's the best way he can lead."