Arsenal Open to Offloading Out-of-Favor Aubameyang: Sensational £25M January Sale Possible?

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Future at Arsenal

Aubameyang’s Arsenal future uncertain
January departure possible
High wages and transfer fee a challenge

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future at Arsenal has been a topic of much speculation in recent months. The Gabonese striker, once a prolific goalscorer and talismanic figure for the Gunners, found himself ostracized from the first team after being stripped of the captaincy in December 2022 due to disciplinary issues. While Aubameyang’s on-field contributions cannot be understated – he scored 92 goals in 163 appearances for Arsenal – his off-field conduct had become a growing concern for manager Mikel Arteta and the club hierarchy. The decision to remove him from the captaincy and exclude him from the squad was a clear message that no player is bigger than the team and that Arteta’s authority must be respected. The January transfer window presented an opportunity for Arsenal to part ways with Aubameyang, but his high wages and the club’s valuation proved to be stumbling blocks for potential suitors. Ultimately, a loan move to Barcelona materialized, where Aubameyang rediscovered his form, scoring 13 goals in 23 appearances and helping the Catalan giants secure a second-place finish in La Liga. However, Barcelona’s financial constraints meant that a permanent deal was unlikely, and Aubameyang found himself on the move again, this time to Marseille on a free transfer. In the south of France, the 33-year-old has continued to showcase his goalscoring prowess, netting 11 goals in 16 appearances across all competitions. While Aubameyang’s Arsenal chapter may have ended on a sour note, his performances at Marseille suggest that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level. As his contract with the French club nears its end, speculation about his future has resurfaced, with reports linking him to a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League. Regardless of where Aubameyang’s future lies, his Arsenal saga serves as a cautionary tale about the delicate balance between individual talent and team dynamics. For a club aspiring to compete at the highest level, harmony and discipline within the squad are paramount, and no player, no matter their caliber, can be allowed to undermine that.

Arsenal’s Performance Without Aubameyang

Arsenal doing well without Aubameyang
Arteta may be more open to offloading him
20 goals scored in 6 games

Arsenal’s remarkable performance in the absence of their former captain and talisman, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, has been nothing short of impressive. The Gunners have won five out of six games since Aubameyang’s exile, scoring an astonishing 20 goals in the process. This unexpected turn of events has undoubtedly reshaped Mikel Arteta’s plans for the Gabonese striker, potentially opening the door for his departure if a suitable offer arrives. Aubameyang’s situation at Arsenal had become increasingly complicated in recent months, with the 32-year-old struggling to replicate his prolific form from previous seasons. Off-field issues, including a disciplinary breach that led to him being stripped of the captaincy, further strained his relationship with the club. As a result, Arteta had no choice but to sideline the forward, a decision that was met with skepticism from many fans who feared Arsenal’s goal-scoring prowess would be severely diminished. However, the emergence of young talents like Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli, combined with the resurgence of Alexandre Lacazette, has provided Arsenal with a potent attacking force. The team’s fluidity and collective contribution in the final third have rendered Aubameyang’s absence less significant than initially anticipated. Interestingly, Aubameyang’s personal battle with depression has also come to light, shedding new light on his struggles and underscoring the importance of mental health support for athletes. While this revelation does not excuse any disciplinary issues, it adds a layer of context to his recent challenges. As Aubameyang edges closer to a reported six-month deal with Barcelona, with the option for an additional year, Arsenal fans are left to contemplate the wisdom of handing him the captain’s armband in the first place. While his goalscoring exploits were undeniable, his leadership qualities and commitment to the club’s values have been called into question. Arsenal’s ability to thrive without their former talisman is a testament to Arteta’s tactical acumen and the squad’s depth. However, the club must now carefully weigh the long-term implications of Aubameyang’s potential departure, as replacing a player of his caliber is no easy task. Nonetheless, the Gunners’ recent performances have undoubtedly strengthened Arteta’s hand in negotiations, allowing Arsenal to dictate the terms of any potential deal.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ Potential Move to Roma

Maitland-Niles close to joining Roma on loan
Option to buy included in the deal
Not in Arteta’s plans this season

Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ potential move to Roma could signal a fresh start for the versatile English midfielder, who has found himself on the fringes of Arsenal’s squad this season. Despite his undoubted talent and ability to operate in multiple positions, the 24-year-old has made just two Premier League starts under Mikel Arteta, with the Gunners’ boss deeming him surplus to requirements. For Roma, the acquisition of Maitland-Niles on loan with an option to buy could prove to be a shrewd piece of business. José Mourinho’s side has been in the market for a defensive reinforcement since the summer transfer window closed, and the Arsenal man’s versatility to play at full-back, wing-back, or even in midfield could provide valuable cover across multiple positions. Maitland-Niles’ potential arrival in the Italian capital could also be a timely boost for Roma’s top-four aspirations in Serie A. With the Giallorossi currently sitting sixth in the table, the addition of a proven Premier League performer with a point to prove could add much-needed depth and quality to Mourinho’s squad as they navigate the grueling second half of the campaign. Moreover, the move could provide Maitland-Niles with the consistent game time he craves, affording him the opportunity to reignite his career and showcase his talents on one of Europe’s grandest stages. A change of scenery and the chance to work under a proven winner like Mourinho could be just the tonic for the Englishman to rediscover his best form and potentially earn a permanent move away from the Emirates. While the deal is not yet officially confirmed, the consensus among pundits and fans alike is that a temporary switch to Roma could be a win-win for all parties involved. For Arsenal, it would allow them to trim their bloated squad and potentially recoup a fee for a player they have deemed surplus to requirements. For Roma, it would bolster their ranks with a versatile and hungry performer. And for Maitland-Niles himself, it could provide the platform to revive his stalling career and showcase his undoubted potential on one of European football’s biggest stages.

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Arsenal Open to Offloading Out-of-Favor Aubameyang: Sensational £25M January Sale Possible?