Major shift in stance as Arsenal acknowledge error with transfer decision

Nicolas Pepe Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mohamed Elneny celebrate Arsenal goal

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be facing a stunning turnaround in his Arsenal career after the club changed their mind about the striker, according to a report.

Aubameyang is currently serving as Arsenal’s club captain and is entering a fifth season at the Emirates Stadium. But after intense speculation over his future last year, rumours are now resurfacing in what remains of the transfer window.

The Gabon international striker signed a huge new contract with the club towards the end of last summer. He has struggled to repay it on the pitch, though, with just 10 Premier League goals in the 2020-21 season.

It was a turbulent year for the forward, whose situation was compared to that of Mesut Ozil. The German playmaker also found himself on huge wages with little reward for the club before leaving in January.

Mikel Arteta denied such comparisons, but it appears Arsenal are re-assessing Aubameyang’s future.

More recently, the manager said: “Last season and everything that happened individually, collectively and around the club, it was difficult to measure whether it was a trend or a one off.

“Our job is to help the players get the best that they have and we know with him we are stronger because he scores goals and that’s one of the most important things in this game.”

But according to The Times, they are now open to offers for the number 14. However, it is no guarantee that any will arrive.

Aubameyang.Arsenal.TEAMtalk

Any remaining admirers of Aubameyang will be concerned by his drop of form and high wages. At the age of 32, he may not be worth the investment.

But there remains a prolific player in there somewhere, who will be keen to show last year was just a blip. Therefore, someone may take a gamble on him.

If so, Arsenal could be overhauling their frontline. Fellow striker Alexandre Lacazette is also being offered around, due to the fact he is in the final year of his contract. The same goes for academy graduate Eddie Nketiah.


Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…


Arsenal seeking to revamp attack

One of Arsenal’s main targets to replenish the ranks is Tammy Abraham. Although, it remains up for question whether Chelsea would sell to a rival given they have also accepted a bid from Roma.

Arsenal are also rumoured to have joined the race for Dusan Vlahovic of Fiorentina. However, it is another London rival, Tottenham, who seem more advanced with their pursuit.

Any Arsenal attempt for either target seems to be reliant on them shifting one current option first. With little progress on an exit for Lacazette, perhaps that is why the club have softened their stance over Aubameyang too as the deadline approaches at the end of August.

Besides, there has been little indication in pre-season that he could be set for a revival; Aubameyang has not scored in any of their friendly matches. Thus, he will be aiming for a bigger impression when competitive action returns.

But a chance remains that his time at Arsenal is running out, despite his well-documented contract having two years left to run.

Meanwhile, according to Goal, Aubameyang will be absent from the Arsenal squad for their season opener against Brentford on Friday. They believe the reason is illness throughout the week.

READ MOREArteta Arsenal transfer hierarchy revealed, including plans for ‘last resort’ deal