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Where would Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fit in at Arsenal?
Had Arsenal signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang two or three seasons ago, they might not have found themselves in such a complete mess at this point. Though the Borussia Dortmund striker would have cost more than the £53.3million now being quoted, he’s also a natural-born goalscorer of the sort which they have lacked since selling Robin van Persie.
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Where Olivier Giroud is buoyed by a ponderous work ethic and Alexis Sanchez has fizzing energy from the flanks, Aubameyang is an out-and-out front man with rollicking pace and a languid finish, even if he also comes with some disciplinary baggage. Compared to Arsenal’s other forward options – Danny Welbeck and a wantaway Theo Walcott as things stand – he is a bona fide superstar. That’s why, when people ask where the Gabonese striker would fit in at the club, the answer is: Wherever he’d like. With 21 goals from 23 games this season and 141 in his five seasons at Dortmund, he’s the sort of endemic goal threat through the middle which Arsenal have lacked for too long.
Were Aubameyang to join Arsenal this January – as now seems increasingly likely, especially should Sanchez free up some funds by signing for Chelsea or Manchester United – the main problem for Arsene Wenger would be what to do with Alexandre Lacazette. Some have argued that Aubameyang’s arrival could relegate Lacazette to a supporting role, but the reality is that the Frenchman plays a supporting role already having become well acquainted with the subs’ bench this term.
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Wenger could attempt to change formation and form a strike partnership between the two, though starting two strikers is out of fashion at the moment. Then again, it’s not like Arsenal’s current 3-4-2-1 formation is working too well, so perhaps Wenger should throw tactical vogue to the winds and chuck on as many forwards as possible.
Mea culpa
More realistically, signing Aubameyang would be a concession that Arsenal could have recruited better last summer. Rather than pursue a more prolific and expensive striker with a global profile and Champions League pedigree, they went for one with a less impressive record and more experience in the Europa League. With eight goals from 25 appearances in all competitions, Lacazette has been a moderately successful signing so far, but that’s not enough to satisfy the instant gratification culture of modern football. Buying Aubameyang would be the equivalent of the club hierarchy holding their hands up, a mea culpa in the face of a flagging team.
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As such, with Aubameyang coming straight into the team as the central striker, Lacazette could either be shunted to the side or moved on altogether. The Frenchman could play on the flanks of a front three, having started out as a winger at Lyon, or resign himself to the role of an impact sub and rotation striker. More drastically, Lacazette could decide to call time on Arsenal and move on to another Premier League club or back to Ligue 1 after only one season. His stock is still high in France, with his most impactful performances for Lyon coming in domestic competitions.
Making space for Malcom
Should Arsenal finalise a deal for Aubameyang, it’s unclear how it would impact their move for Brazilian youngster Malcom. While reports suggest the club will look to sign both players in quick succession, Malcom could cost upwards of £35million meaning that a move for the Bordeaux forward might be seen as exorbitant on top of the Aubameyang fee. Supposing that both players arrive at the Emirates before the January transfer window closes, how could the team accommodate Malcom? At only 20 years of age he wouldn’t necessarily be an immediate starter like his Gabonese counterpart, but he would no doubt be thrown into the mix for a spot on the wing.
That would only further increase the pressure on Lacazette, making an early exit for the Frenchman more likely. Arsenal already have Alex Iwobi on the flanks, though the imminent departure of Theo Walcott at least frees up some space in those positions. It’s possible that Wenger sees Malcom as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez, given the youngster’s penchant from cutting in and marauding through the centre. With Aubameyang in front of him Arsenal could find their attack revitalised, though Mesut Ozil’s likely departure means that they will still need to recruit or promote someone to make opportunities from the midfield.
