Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has found some of his best form since leaving Arsenal on transfer deadline day by mutual consent, which allowed him to join Barcelona. The 32-year-old has scored seven league goals in seven appearances, scoring nine in 11 across all competitions.
It shows a remarkable comeback to form after his struggles with the Gunners, especially leading up to his exit. The Gabon international forward scored four goals in the Premier League, but a disciplinary issue saw him stripped of the captaincy and left him out of favour under Mikel Arteta.
Discussing his exit back in February the Spaniard said: "I am grateful for what Auba has done at the club and his contribution since I have been here. The way I see myself in that relationship is the solution, not the problem.
READ MORE: Emile Smith Rowe drops hint on Arsenal transfer plans as Gunners striker search widens
"What I am saying is that I've been this solution, 100 per cent, I can look in the eye of anybody. I do lot of things wrong, for sure. But the intention all the time is the best - and not for me, it is for the club and for the team.”
It put a sour note on some good times since Aubameyang made the switch to the Emirates, most notably an FA Cup brace that saw them overcome Chelsea in 2019 at Wembley. However, given his explosion since moving to La Liga, he isn’t the only Arsenal man Barcelona could sign.
According to Sport, Xavi Hernandez is interested in signing Alexandre Lacazette on a free transfer in the summer, potentially pairing the Frenchman back up with Aubameyang. It would also demonstrate a potential blow to the Gunners.
The report claims that Arteta and Edu are hoping to offer a new contract to the 30-year-old, who has thrived in his new role as of late. He has often been seen dropping deep, looking to link play rather than score goals himself as a traditional striker would.
His four goals and seven assists in the league tells a story of exactly how he has changed since his switch from Lyon in 2017, from central figure to team player. If he were to leave as a free agent, as well as Eddie Nketiah, it would leave the Gunners with just Folarin Balogun as a natural striking option, with other players able to play as a false nine.
The decision of Lacazette could severely alter how the summer goes for Arsenal and whether several strikers may have to come through the door as replacements.
