Arsenal released Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on deadline day in the winter transfer window. The Gabon forward signed a contract with Spanish giants FC Barcelona. Aubameyang acquired 92 goals and 29 assists in 165 games for the Gunners.

However, Aubameyang had fallen out of favour with Mikel Arteta in his last few months at the North London club and was also stripped of the captaincy. The 32-year-old last played as a late substitute in a 2-1 loss to Everton in early December.

Losing one of their best forwards would undoubtedly be a major blow for the Gunners. Furthermore, they failed to bring in a replacement forward during the window. However, Arsenal largely benefit from the sale of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Here are the reasons why the club could be better off without the former Dortmund man:

1. Poor Influence:

The Gunners have the youngest average squad age in the Premier League this season. They have utilised 27 different players in the league with an average age of just 24.9 years. Youngsters like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Nuno Tavares, Emile Smith Rowe among others are still in the early stages of their careers.

Players like Aubameyang, who have recorded disciplinary breaches in the past too, set a poor example for the rest of the squad. Mikel Arteta is also a young manager and will look to his experienced players to lead from the front. Aubameyang, who was Arsenal’s oldest player at the beginning of the season, is the exact opposite of such a role model figure.

2. A New Beginning From An End?

The Gunners have been linked to many centre-forward profiles in recent years. Odsonne Edouard, Dusan Vlahovic, Alexander Isak and Patson Daka have all been linked with a move to North London. Aubameyang’s departure, combined with the delicate contract situations of Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah open-up options for the Gunners to revamp their front-line.

Gabriel Martinelli could be groomed to take over as the long-term centre-forward. Arsenal could also make a move for players like Patrik Schick, Alexander Isak and Ivan Toney. New players will be more open to joining the Gunners now, knowing that they are guaranteed regular minutes, and will not be relegated to a bench role. Youngsters on loan like Folarin Balogun and Tyreece John-Jules could also be enticed to commit to Arsenal on long-term deals.

3. On-Field Performances: Not As Good As We Thought?

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been a vital part of Arsenal and its plans for years now. The Gabonese forward offered great speed and predatory instincts in front of the goal. This made him an asset either out wide or in the central areas.

However, with age, Aubameyang’s physical decline began to show. Last season, Aubameyang struggled to trouble opposition defences from the wide areas. As a centre-forward, the Gabon international does not contribute greatly in build-ups. He does not bring his teammates into play near the goal and does not create chances in abundance either.

In front of the goal, Aubameyang is not very reliable either. He gets into good positions and is an average finisher too. However, the 32-year-old had scored just 4 goals in the Premier League this season. He also missed 2 penalties and did not score a single attempt from outside the box.

Read More:

• Arsenal’s Best XI – Part 2: Designing the Ideal Playing XI for the Remainder of the Season
• Arsenal’s Best XI – Part 1: Designing the Ideal Playing XI for the Remainder of the Season
• The Players Arsenal Targeted but Failed to Sign in the January Transfer Window – Whom and Why?

Verdict:

More than losing the striker, the Gooners will be upset that they failed to land a replacement signing. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a great tenure with Arsenal, but the Gunners have let him go at the right point. In foresight, the move seems like the right course of action.

Arsenal were able to unload a quickly depreciating player on massive wages, while simultaneously sending a strong message on discipline through the club. Whether the move is really beneficial or not in the long term can only be adjudged when the club do sign replacement options to carry the team forward.

What are your thoughts on Aubameyang being allowed to leave? Let us know in the comments.

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