Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta insists he only wants a squad full of players ready to jump “on the boat” and follow his path following speculation Matteo Guendouzi could leave the Emirates Stadium this summer.

The midfielder was dropped from the 20-man squad which won 2-0 at Southampton on Thursday night to give the Gunners their first points since the season resumed.

While Arteta claimed it was for “player management” reasons, the suggestion that it was in response to Guendouzi’s actions in Saturday’s defeat at Brighton will not go away.

“He’s a natural leader,” added Arteta. “He’s someone who is always 1,000 per cent committed, not just for himself but to help all his teammates all the time. I’m happy that you can hear him more now.

“Hopefully I have 24 captains who are willing to take leadership wherever they like.

“There is not only one way to be a captain, you can be a captain in many different ways. Be yourself, express yourself, play with the passion and set an example to your teammates. That is, for me, a leader.”