According to SPORT, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang now wants to leave Arsenal, after Mikel Arteta stripped him of the captaincy.
What’s the story?
Well, the Gunners released a statement yesterday which revealed that Aubameyang had been punished after his ‘latest’ disciplinary breach.
That suggests he’s a frequent troublemaker, and now, he’s decided to call time on his Arsenal career.
SPORT believe Aubameyang is keen to join Barcelona, who he agreed to sign for in 2019 only for the move to never materialise.
Xavi has been looking to bring a striker to the Camp Nou, eyeing up the likes of Timo Werner and Edinson Cavani.
However, Aubameyang’s situation at the Emirates Stadium has opened a new door for Barcelona, and they’re now keen to sign the 32-year-old.
SPORT add that Arsenal have placed the 71-cap Gabon international on the market, with attractive conditions for buying clubs given the circumstances.
Arsenal needed to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang anyway
Even if Aubameyang hadn’t committed his disciplinary breach, it felt as if it was time for Arsenal to sell him anyway.
The former Borussia Dortmund striker has scored just four goals in 14 Premier League appearances this season.
In truth, Aubameyang has looked a shadow of his former self since his new £250,000-a-week contract was signed in September 2020.
With Alexandre Lacazette’s contract ending in June, it’s time for Arteta and Edu to have an overhaul of their centre-forward department.
In our view, Gabriel Martinelli and Folarin Balogun should replace Aubameyang and Lacazette, along with a fresh face like Dusan Vlahovic, for example.
Despite the messy nature of the situation, it’s certainly not the end of the world for Arsenal – in fact, it’s a blessing in disguise.
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