The January transfer window continues to throw up surprising stories and the latest regarding Arsenal’s striking department has opened a brand-new scenario for discussion.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been left out of the Arsenal squad since a disciplinary breach ahead of the 3-0 win over Southampton in December. He was stripped of the captaincy by Mikel Arteta and allowed early leave to join up with Gabon ahead of the African Cup of Nations.
The player has now returned due to a health concern, but this has not stopped a possible route out of the club this January from surfacing which the club now face the task of deciding upon.
According to CBS Sports, Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr have lodged a loan offer for the Gabonese forward that contains a mandatory buy clause in the summer for a fee believed to be €8 million.
Arsenal are said to be mulling over the offer and are yet to make a decision as to whether they will accept.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the match with Liverpool in the League Cup Mikel Arteta responded to questions on Aubameyang’s situation.
“That’s the situation that we have. He contracted COVID and the national team decided to bring him back here. That’s where we are. Let’s do the right step, let’s do the right examinations and make sure the player’s health is in the best condition. We will see what happens,” Arteta explained when asked if his return had put the player back in his thoughts.
The problem Arsenal have is if they allow Aubameyang to leave it will mean just Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah will remain as the natural striker options.
The prolonged pursuit of Dusan Vlahovic continues with Edu understood to be doing everything possible to get the player.
However, even with a player of the Serbian’s quality through the doors, the club would remain just one injury away from concern.
Made worse by both Lacazette and Nketiah both expected to leave in the summer with their contracts expiring.
Meaning any January signing would be the sole option bar the young Folarin Balogun who is currently out on loan with Middlesbrough. It would also give the selling clubs' greater position in negotiations in the summer knowing Arsenal's situation and desperate need for another forward.
With the Gunners in a chase for the top four, any additional reinforcement will be of a huge benefit to Mikel Arteta as he attempts to return Arsenal to the elite competition. That said, getting the forward's huge wages off the bill could give the Gunners greater negotiating power in future talks for strikers.
Interestingly, Tyreece John-Jules has returned from his loan spell with Blackpool where the striker struggled. Arteta referenced the player as a possible usable option if the Gunners find themselves short.
“Miguel had COVID so he’s not been involved at all. Tyreece we brought him back for different reasons. In the loan spell things we wanted to achieve were not happening so we decided to call them back, sit down, think and talk about what the best option is going forward. Within the context we are in as well, if they can help with numbers then good,” Arteta surprisingly concluded.
Arsenal fans have seen the likes of Francis Coquelin and Alex Song return from the Championship to have a major impact on the then season. Perhaps the young forward could do the same.
However, having failed to make it with the Seasiders, pinning hopes on the player would be underestimating the task at hand.
Vlahovic is a priority but Edu should certainly be shortlisting additional forward options or risk leaving his manager exceptionally short in the short and long term future.
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