Any hopes that Arsenal would be able to keep hold of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang beyond the summer appear to be fading fast. The Gabon striker has recently shied away from giving any assurances of his continued commitment, as a host of elite clubs prepare their offers for the 30-year-old. 3y4g28
61 goals from 97 appearances, in a side that is in transition and is in no position to challenge for top honours anytime soon, almost guarantees his imminent departure but Gunners fans have to remain positive.
The only real question mark is how much will the sale of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang generate and put back in the Arsenal coffers. After COVID-19, there will be some reluctance to pay massive figures but the football market has a life of its own and the usual rules tend not to apply. However, apart from an insistence on an additional clause to offset wage payments should the COVID-19 virus resurfaces, the sums involved will almost certainly see some form of decrease.
Mikel Arteta has tried his best to secure the services of his best player for another two or three seasons, but many feel that he has now failed to convince the Arsenal captain, whom it seems is destined to move to Spain. Back in February, Arteta seemed to feel that he was winning the battle for heart and mind when he said:
“That he really enjoys on the pitch every time he goes, that he feels very much part of what we’re trying to build here. And I think he’s with that mindset at the moment.”
Adding:
“I think it’s been tough for him. You know a player like him, there’s been a lot of disappointments in the last few months and years because he has big expectations. You know he wants to play for the biggest club in the biggest tournaments, and be up there with the best players in the world. And we have to try to him and give him everything at the club so he really feels fulfilled here. That’s the challenge I have.”
The optimism that the Spanish boss may have had has just received a substantial knock in the form of Gabon FA president Jean-Pierre Mounguengui, who has expressed an opinion that Pierre Emerick Aubameyang’s ambitions can’t be achieved in North London. He said rather emphatically:
“I don’t want to say that Arsenal aren’t ambitious, but Arsenal don’t have ambitions as high as some other clubs as far as Europe is concerned,”
“So if Pierre could secure a contract with a more ambitious club, he’d definitely find his place there.”
He further added:
“On an individual level, we all consider him to be among the best players in the world, but the advice I give to him is to continue to work and to attract the attention of the biggest clubs and the most ambitious clubs.”
Just recently, Arteta, who has remained in touch with all his players during the crisis, is said to have itted that he is less certain on retaining his captain, but he has begun looking at options should Pierre Emerick leaves from both inside and outside the club.
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The future of Arsenal’s other striker, Alexandre Lacazette is also far from certain with rumours persisting that he wants European football. Something Arsenal can’t offer.
It’s a possibility that both could leave within weeks of each other when the transfer window opens, but Arteta is convinced that he has a plan in place in the event of losing his striking duo.
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