According to Express, Arsenal are ready to offload Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette as the club prepares to undergo a squad overhaul in the summer. Manager Mikel Arteta is looking to sell these two players to boost his side’s budget and strengthen the other areas of the pitch. But selling both of them seems like a right gamble. Is it the right decision by the Spaniard?
What do Arsenal lose with Aubameyang & Lacazette?
It is almost needless to point out that Arsenal will be sacrificing their entire goalscoring unit if they get rid of Aubameyang and Lacazette. Both the players have played an essential role in the club’s productivity over the past couple of years, with the former in particular netting as many as 61 goals in just 97 competitive matches.
Indeed, Aubameyang has emerged as one of the best strikers in Europe. His goalscoring prowess, combined with his pace and versatility make him a world-class forward, who could have led the Arsenal era under Arteta.
Lacazette, meanwhile, has also netted 45 goals in 114 competitive matches for the Gunners. While he might not be as prolific as Auba, the Frenchman has impressed the onlookers with his work-rate and commitment. His departure will leave Arteta devoid of any reliable options in the number nine slot.
Is Mikel Arteta right to offload them?
Despite the importance of Aubameyang and Lacazette, it might be a perfect time for Arsenal to offload them. The club are currently in a transitional phase and should look at the future, which should include the departures of these two individuals.
Aubameyang, in particular, is unhappy with Arsenal’s underachievement and has been linked with a move away from Emirates. With his current contract expiring at the end of next season, failing to offload him in the summer could force Arteta to run the risk of seeing him leave the club for free.
As for Lacazette, the Frenchman has done well since joining Arsenal. But, his performances haven’t exactly been top-notch under the current manager. He has lacked the form in front of goal, often missing numerous chances. He has also struggled with a lack of concentration and is, therefore, not fully fitted to Arteta’s setup.
Offloading Lacazette and Aubameyang in the summer will provide Arsenal with the much-needed fund to pursue proper players, who will fit into the current regime. Someone like Luka Jovic or Odsonne Edouard, for example, could definitely thrive at Emirates and it will be interesting to see how the Gunners adopt their transfer policy within the coming months.
