Paul Merson has said ‘you have had a result’ if Arsenal can get Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang off their wage bill, as he told Sky Sports.
Even on transfer deadline day, Merson thought both Mikel Arteta and Aubameyang would have resolved their current situation, but it hasn’t been the case.
The 32-year-old is seemingly heading for the exit door in north London and is on his way to Barcelona, as reported by Sky Sports.
Aubameyang last played for the Gunners in December and he was then stripped of the captain’s armband after another run-in with discipline.
Given the huge wages Aubameyang is on, Merson thinks that’s one area his former side will benefit from, even if it is for a six-month period.
“I thought they might have been able to polyfilla over the situation,” said Merson. “But that hasn’t happened.
“I think if you can get him off the wage bill, then you have had a result. Even if it’s six months.
“Six months at £350k-a-week is a lot, lot of money. I think there might be a deal along the way and even Aubameyang might have to swallow a couple of pounds here.”
Arsenal fans have every right to ask, who will replace Aubameyang if he does indeed leave before Monday’s 11 pm cut-off point?
Arteta is making the right call in allowing him to leave because he is putting the club’s well-being first.
But it does leave the club short up top, with only Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah the out-and-out number nine’s.
It’s okay allowing Aubameyang to leave, but those in the Emirates boardroom surely need to bring someone in else the fans will make their feelings pretty clear.
This isn’t Arteta’s fault, but the owners and the man running the club’s transfer ship, Edu.
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