‘We all wanted him’ – Gabriel hints at Arsenal rift over Aubameyang exit; states where blame lays

Gabriel Magalhaes has opened up on the Arsenal exit of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and pointed the finger of blame at the coaching staff in the process.

The 32-year-old striker left for Barcelona last month as his Arsenal career came to an end under a cloud. Aubameyang  was stripped of the club captaincy two months prior. That decision stemmed from the latest in a long line of disciplinary breaches mainly centred around lateness.

The severing of ties was seen in some quarters as Mikel Arteta showing strong leadership to rid the books of what he perceived to be a problem player.

However, others – including club legend Martin Keown – reckon Arsenal may struggle to get fourth spot without Aubameyang’s goals.

Now, speaking to OhMyGoal (via Football London) centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes has lifted the lid on Aubameyang’s exit.

In doing so, Gabriel insisted the Gunners squad “all wanted” Aubameyang to stay in north London. He also pointed the finger of blame at the “coaching staff” when absolving the players of any responsibility in Aubameyang’s exit.

“Aubameyang is in my heart” – Gabriel

“Aubameyang is in my heart, we all wanted him at Arsenal,” said Gabriel.

“It (his exit) is something that happened between him and the coaching staff, the other players were not involved in it.

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“I said goodbye to him before he left. I hope he enjoys Barcelona. He is a nice person with a big heart and I love him very much.”

Aubameyang has already bagged five goals in just six matches since moving to the Camp Nou.

Arsenal bidding war with Man Utd looming?

Meanwhile, a summer bidding war between Arsenal and Man Utd has been predicted after a report detailed why Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz could now be available.

The classy Spaniard, 25, has developed into the complete midfielder in Naples. Tuttomercatoweb describe him as a ‘constant presence’ in the engine room. What’s more, his six league goals this season have already bettered his previous Serie A high of five – achieved in 2018/19.

Fabian signed a five-year deal upon arriving from Real Betis in 2018. But once the current campaign concludes, Fabian will have just 12 months remaining on his initial deal. Per Tuttomercatoweb, ‘there will be no renewal’.

That could force Napoli’s hand and prompt a sale to avoid losing one of their most valuable assets for nothing a year later.

That’s where Man Utd and Arsenal come in. The report noting the pair have entered the frame in recent weeks. Also in the running are Spanish duo Real Madrid and Barcelona. But the added financial might of the Premier League clubs could prove key.

Not only will they be able to bid higher, but they can also table higher salaries. What’s more, Fabian’s lower salary at present could simultaneously make him an enticing prospect to suitors, as well as tempt him into pushing for a move.

Fabian is reportedly still on the salary he was offered when signed in 2018 – €50,000-a-week. Even doubling or trebling those wages would be a drop in the ocean for the English pair. As such, the report talks up the prospect of a looming ‘auction’ for Fabian’s services.

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