Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang’s future has been under much scrutiny this season. Revelations in the summer came to light that the Gabonese international had refused to sign an extension on his current deal that expires in 2021. We’ve also heard rumours that the new regime at Arsenal will no longer accept players running down their contracts and leaving on frees, so they will be intent on selling the 31-year-old if things haven’t changed in the near future.
So, where do the Catalonians fit into all of this? Well, the La Liga champions are in desperate need of a striker as Luiz Suarez has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. They’re now frantically scouring the market for a striker and situation of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang has perked their attention. If Aubameyang were to go, which is far from unlikely, the Gunners can rest assured knowing there are several options around to fill his shoes.
Here are 3 replacements Arsenal could sign if Aubameyang goes to Barcelona.
#3 Rodrigo Moreno
At 28 years of age, Rodrigo Moreno is finally getting the plaudits his ability deserves. Since moving to Valencia back in 2014, Spaniard has scored 55 goals. This season alone, the forward has directly contributed to 12 goals in 23 appearances. More important than his strike rate, it’s Rodrigo’s versatility that marks him as a standout candidate.
Since last August, the forward has played in three different positions. The Spanish international is a pacey, difficult to mark, tricky and versatile forward that would present problems to many a Premier League defence. Barcelona was monitoring the services of Rodrigo but have seemingly turned their attention to Pierre instead, this would, therefore, leave the door open for Rodrigo to come to the Emirates.
#2 Moussa Dembele
The Lyon striker has raised his stock significantly across the past two seasons. The 23-year-old is now one of the hottest prospects in French football. Since moving on from Celtic, Dembele has scored 37 goals in 71 goals. This season alone, the Frenchman has netted on 17 occasions in 25 games.
At Arsenal, the 23-year-old’s constant movement, aggressiveness in pressing and physicality in aerial duels would excel in the Premier League. There have been rumours that Chelsea is interested in securing the services of the Frenchman, this only further proves how much of a commodity he currently is.
#1 Timo Werner
There isn’t a hotter striker in German football right now than Timo Werner. The 23-year-old has been attracting the interest of the world through his consistency over the past few seasons. Despite being so young, Werner has scored 86 goals for RB Leipzig since breaking into the senior team in 2016. This season alone, Werner has scored 25 goals in just 27 appearances. That strike rate puts him amongst Europe’s elite.
The striker’s current deal runs out in 2023 meaning Leipzig will demand a lot of money on top of his market value. The league leaders would demand in excess of £60m for the forward, a fee Arsenal could only afford if they sold Aubameyang this window.
