Mikel Arteta has hit back after responding to worries that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is becoming the new Mesut Ozil.
The German playmaker was ostracised in the final months of his time at the Emirates.
It came after failing to fit into Arteta's tactical style, despite his craving for a creative midfielder.
Ultimately, it led to Ozil's departure - joining Fenerbahce on a free transfer in January.
There are worries a similar situation is evolving around Aubameyang, who was dropped for arguably Arsenal's biggest game of the season against Slavia Prague in the Europa League.
The Gunners captain did get on in the second-half and helped set up Nicolas Pepe to score in a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic outfit.
But Jamie Carragher insisted that Aubameyang is quickly becoming the new Ozil at the Emirates.
There has a similar situation where after the midfielder was awarded a massive £350,000-a-week contract, his best days were behind him.
Aubameyang signed a lucrative new deal in the summer but has failed to replicate the same form he showed last season.
But Arteta has rubbished any comparisons and has insisted the 31-year-old remains a key member of the team.
He said: “I’m always positive about the future but once you think about things that happen in the past or compare different situations and personalities I won’t do that.”
When asked if the striker is committed to the cause at Arsenal, Arteta replied: “Totally.”
Arsenal have it all to do in the second leg of their Europa League tie against Slavia Prague after conceding a late goal to hand the away side the advantage.
But Arteta insists he was happy with Aubameyang's efforts from the bench.
He said: “Yes because we talked before – in the Europa League everyone has contributed in different ways, the whole squad has been involved and yesterday’s role for him (was) he was sat on the bench and to make an impact and he made an impact.
“He assisted Nico and should have scored a tap-in with his left foot and that’s what the players have to do when they come in.”
