In a recent interview with the Transfer Window Podcast (via the Daily Express), Duncan Castles provided an update on Real Madrid’s pursuit of Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang when he said, “There’s some information I have that Real Madrid have been looking at whether they can get Aubameyang out of Arsenal and have entered into discussions with his representatives to that effect.
“We know that Aubameyang has been stalling on extending his contact at Arsenal. We know he is one of the best paid players at the club.
“And obviously at present you could argue he is at a club that doesn’t fit his performance levels on the field in terms of his ability to put goals away.
“The interesting bit of information I have on this is that Real Madrid I believe are trying to float Luka Jovic into the deal.
“Their £60m signing from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer who I think has scored just one goal in 11 appearances since arriving there.
“That would be a proposal that would allow Jovic an opportunity at a different club, a restart to his career, it would bring Arsenal’s wage bill down and solve the problem that Arsenal might have of a disgruntled forward and a player that has been very prominent in their team.
“But if you have that player in a difficult contractual situation the proposal that Madrid are putting to them then let’s solve two problems here for both of us and readjust our squads.
“Whether Arsenal will bite on that I think will be dependent on not just Aubameyang’s stance but who they bring in as manager.”
This latest development (if true) could be a deal that benefits everyone involved as both strikers will be able to reignite their careers in search of silverware while the two clubs can also move on with their rebuilding jobs next summer.
Aubameyang’s Prolific Record Despite Arsenal’s Poor Form This Season
Aubameyang has arguably been Arsenal’s best player this season after he put in numerous goal-scoring displays for them thus far. However, the North London club is currently struggling to find consistency in terms of results following the departure of their former manager Unai Emery last month. Freddie Ljungberg has taken over the managerial duties for now but has gotten off to a poor start after his side dropped points in back to back matches versus Norwich City and Brighton and Hove Albion respectively.
Despite the Gunners’ struggles in the Premier League, Aubameyang has still managed to score ten goals in 15 league matches so far. He has also netted two goals in three appearances in the UEFA Europa League this season. The Gabonese striker is averaging 2.7 shots, 0.9 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per game in the English top-flight (stats via whoscored).
A Jovic-Aubameyang Swap Deal: Wise Move For The Galacticos?
Aubameyang boasts blistering pace and can make some well-timed runs behind the opposition backline. He has a knack for finding space inside the opposition penalty area and is a lethal finisher in the final third. The Gabon international has been a prolific goal-scorer in England since his move from Borussia Dortmund at the start of last year.
Recruiting a proven striker like Aubameyang will be a massive coup for the Galacticos as he will be able to provide some much-needed competition for Karim Benzema to earn a regular starting berth in Zinedine Zidane’s first-team. Luka Jovic has failed to make his mark at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium this season and so Los Blancos will do well to ship him out and capture the services of Aubameynang in the process.
