Paul Merson has claimed that Arsenal are in a ‘better’ situation now Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hast left, as he told Sky Sports News (01/02/22 at 7:15 pm).
The former double-winner compared Aubameyang’s situation at Arsenal to that of Dele Alli’s, who left Tottenham for Everton on deadline day and how they both ‘haven’t done too much recently’.
Whilst Alli remains in the Premier League and will now don the Everton colours, it’s Spain, La Liga and Barcelona for Aubameyang.
The Gabon superstar seemingly ripped up his contract in north London and moved to Catalonia on a free transfer.
Whilst Mikel Arteta no longer wanted Aubameyang at the club, it now means that they are lacking depth in the final third.
But Merson doesn’t think that’s an issue, as he urged the club to buy a ‘superstar’ in the summer.
“I think it leaves Arsenal in a better place,” said Merson. “It’s a bit like the Dele Alli situation.
“You will show Dele’s goals of about six or seven years ago. Well, Aubameyang’s goals were last year and the year before. He hasn’t done too much recently.
“I think he is a big influence in the dressing room with the younger kids. I think behind-the-scenes, the manager has done a good job and thought ‘I need to get rid of him’.
“People are saying they are short, well maybe they are. But next season, they have to go and get a superstar.”
The problem facing Arteta is that Arsenal are lacking that cutting edge in front of the goal.
Even though Aubameyang wasn’t pulling up trees before his fallout with Arteta – and the same could be said of last season.
If he bangs in the goals in La Liga, and Arsenal are struggling during the second half of the campaign in the Premier League, then it’s obvious what the headlines are going to be.
Arteta will have to face the music even though those in the Emirates boardroom have let him down by not bringing in another striker last month.
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