Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s move to Barcelona was finally confirmed by the Spanish giants on Wednesday.
The Gabon international was a polarising figure during his time at Arsenal, although his undoubted talent was key to the FA Cup triumph in 2020.
As a result of that, he was promptly rewarded with a bumper new contract, but his scintillating form subsequently dropped alarmingly.
There were also a number of reported disciplinary issues and in the end a parting of ways inevitable.
Despite that, the club’s failure to sign another striker could harm their aspirations of finishing in the top four, although there are a number of players at the Emirates who could benefit from his departure.
With that in mind, Football.London takes a look at five players set to thrive without Aubameyang.
Alexandre Lacazette
Lacazette is now undoubtedly the Gunners’ first choice striker and with the Frenchman being in the final year of his deal, will be keen to put himself in the shop window.
Regardless of whether Lacazette stays with Arsenal or leaves on a free transfer in the summer, he will be in a better position to negotiate the kind of deal he wants if he impresses in the second half of the season.
As the club’s only proven striker at Premier League level he will now have every opportunity to add to his tally of three top-flight goals this campaign, with little in the way of competition for a starting-berth.
Eddie Nketiah
The 22-year-old will now play a far more prominent role in Arsenal’s season as he is one of only two senior strikers at the club.
Nketiah also finds himself in the final year of his deal and will be desperate to impress in order to secure a transfer, or be rewarded with an improved contract and assurances that he’s in Mikel Arteta’s plans.
Since making his debut for the club in 2017, Nketiah has always been on the periphery of the first team, but he will be key to the Gunners’ plans going into the business end of the season.
Martin Odegaard
At times the former Real Madrid star has had to take a back seat to accommodate Aubameyang, but will now be one of the first names on the team sheet.
Odegaard will be key to getting the best out of the Gunners’ remaining strikers, and will play an important role in the club’s hopes of a top four finish.
The Norway midfielder now has an opportunity to establish himself in Arteta’s first team plans.
Gabriel Martinelli
The talented Brazilian has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot for the Gunners, mainly due to the amount of competition on the wings.
However, Martinelli may have found another route into the first team as a striker.
Lacazette is undoubtedly Arteta’s first choice but Martinelli has scored more league goals than the Frenchman and Nketiah combined.
The 20-year-old can operate through the middle and could be set to play an important role heading into the run-in.
Nicolas Pepe
Arsenal’s record signing has struggled for game time this season and whilst he wouldn’t be a direct replacement for Aubameyang, he could benefit from there being fewer options up front.
The Ivorian has played as a striker before and could also deputise for Martinelli if he was asked to lead the line.
