Arsenal stars pictured at Dubai training camp following Aubameyang's departure

Arsenal continue their warm-weather training camp in Dubai despite the departure of former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Aubameyang, 32, left to join LaLiga giants Barcelona on a free transfer on transfer deadline day after falling out of favour in north London and being stripped of his captaincy back in December.

The Gunners however are being put through their paces in the Middle East as they continue preparations for the return of the Premier League following the winter break.

Boss Mikel Arteta and his side are aiming for a top four finish as they look to return to Champions League football for the first time since the 2016/17 season.

Although the former midfielder will be limited in his options up front with two senior strikers left in his squad in Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah, whose contracts both expire in the summer.

But Arteta seemed keen to use the transfer window as an opportunity to off-load unwanted stars with Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Folarin Balogun, Sead Kolasinac, Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers all heading through the exit door at the Emirates Stadium.

The club failed to bring in any reinforcements, leaving Arteta with just 18 senior players as they prepare to battle it out for a top four spot in the second half of the season.

Arteta's side currently sit sixth in the Premier League just two points off the top four with a game in hand on fourth-place Manchester United.

Arsenal do not return to action until a trip to Wolves on February 10 but a behind-closed-doors friendly is also scheduled upon their return.

The Gunners will face Championship side Reading to avoid a near three-week gap between games and help Arteta’s players maintain their rhythm.