Although Arsenal have sat back over the weeks following the end of the season and let rivals such as Liverpool and Manchester United make the early signings, the Gunners seem to be making up for lost time now. Reports on Monday revealed that a deal for Chelsea’s Petr Cech is all but done, and with fans still coming down from the euphoria of developments, another name has been thrown into the transfer mix… Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The pacey Gabon international is known by supporters – particularly those who play FIFA or Football Manager – for his eye for goal and extravagant skills, and although the Gunners are well-stocked in the final third we at FFC Towers think this is a deal Arsene Wenger should really be exploring…. And here are FIVE reasons why.
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Pace!
If there one thing, albeit a bit cliché, defenders don’t like. It’s pace. Although this old adage is a bit over-used and bears the hallmarks of lazy pundits on Match of the Day, there is some bulk to it. No matter how good a centre-back, or full-back, is, if they’re chasing a loose ball against a significantly quicker opponent, there’s only going to be one winner.
Aubameyang has long been talked of as one of the quickest players in the Bundesliga – he was also lauded for the same trait during his spell in Ligue 1 – and with Arsenal a side set up to hit on the counter-attack, it would appear that the Gabon international would be well-suited.
Able to play across a front three
Although he spent the majority of last season as Dortmund’s centre-forward – perhaps partly due to Robert Lewandowski’s exit and the form, or lack of, shown by Ciro Immobile – Aubameyang has played most of his career as a wide forward. His pace lends him well to the position, and although his delivery can be a bit hit and miss, he is useful in an inside forward role – akin to that Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez have been deployed in.
Wenger is known to favour a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 set-up, and the wide forward roles as well as ‘up top’ would be boosted by the addition of Aubameyang.
Statement of intent
With Cech almost in as a real marquee buy, Arsenal would be sending a massive signal to their rivals by snapping up one of the Bundesliga’s top talents. Although not in the very highest calibre of player on the market, Aubameyang is highly thought of among football fans and pundits alike, while his silky skills have even led to the moniker the ‘African Neymar’.
Rivals also want him…
The Bild report revealing Arsenal’s interest also suggests Chelsea and Manchester City are teams in the running, while Liverpool have also been aligned with the rapid attacker. Although not the wisest foundation for transfer business, snapping up a player to keep him from rivals has its benefits, as was shown by the addition of Alexis Sanchez last summer – Liverpool were also keen.
A character
Modern football can be a bit bland. Players are so media trained that stock answers tumble out of their mouths when quizzed after the game, while some are afraid to be a little ‘out there’ for fear of the social media backlash and ribbing from fans.
‘Auba’ is a little different though, and you get the impression that he plays the game with a smile on his face. Take his recent celebration with team-mate Marco Reus, in which the duo donned Batman and Robin masks. Excellent!
