Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has taken a fresh jibe at manager Mikel Arteta over his handling of key striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. This all happened after Juventus stole Arsenal’s long-term transfer target Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina yesterday. Now Merson has mocked Arteta over going back to suspended Aubameyang and to beg him to return to the first team for the next six months.
Mikel Arteta dropped Aubameyang from the first team at the start of December after the player breached the club’s disciplinary rules. He has also been stripped of his captaincy duties and was expelled from senior players’ training sessions. This week, Aubameyang was not selected for the Dubai training camp amid his possible departure before the Monday transfer deadline.
The 32-year-old Gabonese star arrived at North London from Borussia Dortmund in 2018, on January transfer deadline day, for a then club-record fee of £56 million. He scored 22 goals each in the 2019 and 2020 seasons but is struggling for consistency since the start of the last year. He scored just 10 league goals last season and has scored 4 goals in 14 league matches this term.
Arsenal management, mainly Mikel Arteta, is pushing for Aubameyang exit this month, who has just 18 months remaining on his contract and is earning a £300, 000-a-week salary at the Emirates. His salary expectations are an big issue for Arsenal in their search for a new club as the player is hesitant on accepting lower wages. Last week, Aubameyang rejected a big contract offer from a Saudi club Al-Nassr who were willing to pay his full wages and include an obligation to buy clause.
Paul Merson Urges Arsenal Not To Panic Over A Failed Vlahovic Deal:
Former Arsenal midfielder, now Sky Sports pundit, tells Arsenal hierarchy not to panic over their failed search for a new forward this month. He insisted that the club should move on from the Vlahovic saga and bring back Aubameyang to fold instead of looking for other targets.
“They wanted to bring in Dusan Vlahovic, but there was no interest from the player at all. He is now off to Juventus. If I was Arsenal I would not panic now. You cannot just go and chase someone for all this time and then switch targets and go for someone else. There are now just days left of the window so, for me, Arsenal need to wait now.” -Paul Merson over failed Vlahovic deal.
Arsenal are also set to lose other forward players Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nkeitah, who have just 6 months remaining on their contract. Lacazette is expected to leave on a free transfer this summer and Nketiah is expected to leave for Newcastle United in the next two days. Merson believes Arteta should bring back Aubameyang, who he thinks is still one of their most important players, and sort striker situation in the summer transfer window.
“For me, Aubameyang, on his day, is still one of Arsenal’s best players. A lot has gone on, that is for sure, but now, with the struggles in the transfer market, it looks like Arteta might have to go back to Aubameyang with his tail between his legs and ask: “Have you got another six months for us please?” Then they may be able to sort something out after that when the summer transfer windows open.” -Paul Merson on Arteta and Aubameyang row.
Mikel Arteta has now turned his focus to alternative targets Luka Jovic and Dominic Calvert-Lewin and is keen on signing one of the forward players in the next few days. Arsenal are challenging for a top-four position this season and definitely needs a forward to boost up their chances. The Gunners sold English defender Callum Chambers to Aston Villa yesterday for an undisclosed fee and have funds available to pull off something big before the transfer deadline on Monday midnight.