Reports have emerged that Arsenal are looking to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Dortmund to replace Alexis Sanchez in the front three. The 28-year-old’s contract is set to end after this season and an extension with the German outfit is seemingly becoming more unlikely as the days progress.
He was quoted saying, “I have not renewed a contract. In the winter market, a lot can happen, also for me.” This comes as a shock to the fans at Westfalenstadion who have greatly cherished the performances of the Gabonese international. Aubameyang won the top goalscorer last season in the Bundesliga and has netted the ball 21 times in 23 appearances this season.
Controversies of Sanchez leaving, along with Mesut Ozil, arose when they declined the club’s offer of an extension in the summer. Manchester City was considerably interested in signing the attacker and had placed a bid of around £60million, which was rejected by the Gunners. After failing to sign Thomas Lemar from Monaco as his replacement, Wenger decided to stick with the 28-year-old for the 2017-18 season.
Even if Arsenal meets his lofty wage demands, it is highly unlikely Sanchez would remain at the side for long. He has openly expressed his frustration with the side after their failure to qualify for the Champions League last season with a disappointing 6th spot finish in the Premier League. Arriving at the club from a title-hungry side like Barcelona, Sanchez expected at least a title win in his 4 years at the club but was the victim of a 10-2 thrashing to Bayern Munich last season, as they were eliminated from Europe.
Willing to take his talents elsewhere and win silverware more frequently, the Chilean international was disappointed when his transfer talks did not materialise. A thorough professional with a relentless work ethic, Sanchez has still been a key component under Wenger this season. Some fans would argue his form has dipped ever since the transfer saga surrounding him surfaced, but the rest are still convinced over his irreplaceable quality for their side.
Aubameyang has flourished in the number nine position but is also capable of appearing from the wings. He clocked a record of 3.7 seconds in 30 metres beating the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt. His pace is next to none with a brilliant eye for goal.
In Europe, he is one of the hottest talents and will definitely bring a different attacking dynamic to the Arsenal lineup alongside the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Olivier Giroud. A free transfer will be a dream for Arsene Wenger and will be the best option to address the exit of the superstar Chilean.
