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Arsenal hit-man Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang is reportedly on his way out of the Emirates Stadium following failed contractual talks between the Gabonese’s agent and the club’s hierarchy. The Gunners currently sit 9th on the Premier League table with an almost impossible chance to achieve Champions League football for next season. Aubameyang, who will turn 31 in June, is desperate to play in Europe before the end of his prime years.
The Arsenal captain is one of the Premier League’s most lethal strikers, having won the Golden Boot last season and currently topping the leaderboard alongside Jamie Vardy with 17 strikes. Aubameyang has been Mikel Arteta’s go-to goalscorer and losing him in the summer could have some serious consequences for Arsenal in attack.
Arteta will have to turn towards the transfer market in the summer but the club’s budget constraints, lack of European action and diminishing appeal could prove major hindrances in landing any superstar replacement for Aubameyang.
Therefore, in this section, we will take a look at five realistic alternatives for Arsenal to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with next season.
#5. Jonathan David
Canadian sensation Jonathan David has attracted significant interest from some of the top European clubs after his sensational numbers with Belgian top-flight club Gent. The 20-year-old has scored 18 goals and provided 8 assists in 27 domestic league appearances whilst also finding the net five times in the Europa League this campaign.
The Arsenal hierarchy have reportedly been scouting the youngster throughout the season and look set to bring him to the Emirates in a deal worth just £17.5 million. The Gunners, however, will have to ward off interest from Bayern Munich who have recently entered the race and look to lure the striker with the help of his national compatriot Alphonso Davies.
Jonathan David is an extremely fluid player who can operate as an attacking midfielder, a second striker or an out-and-out centre forward. He has been lauded for his remarkable speed, technique, strength and footballing intelligence, all of which he possesses even at such a young age.
Primed to make the Canadian national team in no time having already featured for the North American nation at youth levels, David’s immense potential and raw talent could blossom under the tutelage of Mikel Arteta.
With the likes of Reiss Nelson, Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Joe Willock already touted to be future superstars at the club, the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup top-scorer could be a welcome addition to this new-look Arsenal side.
#4. Kevin Volland
Bayern Leverkusen forward Kevin Volland was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in the January transfer window after his attacking exploits in the Bundesliga this season. The German has scored 9 goals and provided another 6 assists in 22 appearances this term, leading the charts for his club.
Volland prefers to play as an out-and-out striker, however, he can also be utilised as a wide-man if needed. An all-action attacker, he is extremely effective in and around the box, linking up with the midfielders, holding the ball up, releasing the wingers and finishing off moves. Manager Peter Bosz’s arrival in the summer of 2018 has helped transform Leverkusen’s style of play into a heavy-metal, counter-attacking brand of football which is spearheaded by the striker.
Volland’s versatility could see him partner Alexandre Lacazette up-top or play as a left-winger with Nicolas Pepe on the other flank. The forward has been a consistent figure in the German top-flight and could become an instant hero under Mikel Arteta.
When asked about whether he would be tempted to play in England, Volland said, “The Premier League is a very interesting place for me. The pace is extremely high, the league requires a lot of willingness to run – that would suit me.”
With no Champions League football next season, it would be almost impossible for Arsenal to lure in a high-profile superstar into their ranks. In that case, bringing in a €35 million-rated Volland would be a clever piece of business by the Gunners.
#3. Dries Mertens
Napoli forward Dries Mertens has been making headlines this past month owing to his record-equalling goal against Barcelona which took his tally to 121 for the club alongside Marek Hamsik. The Belgian, however, has still not signed a contract extension which could see him leave the Italian outfit on a free this summer.
Several reports have suggested that there have been ongoing talks with Mertens’ representatives and the Napoli bosses over a prolonged stay for the striker but at 32 years of age, he might seek for newer challenges before the end of his career.
Arsenal, consequently, have been linked with Mertens especially if Aubameyang departs this summer. Like the Gabon skipper, Mertens is a versatile forward who can be deployed anywhere in attack. His agility, creativity and low centre of gravity allows him to get into goalscoring positions whilst also create chances for others around him.
A very skilful and silky player, Mertens thrives on his pace which helps him manoeuvre past defenders. He can also play as a second striker, buzzing in and around the opposition’s defensive pockets and waiting for that perfect ball to play in-behind. But perhaps what differentiates him from other attackers is the fact that he has a remarkable work-rate which complements his attacking gameplay.
One of the key members of Belgium’s current golden generation of players, there is no doubt that Mertens will bring in much-needed leadership and experience to Mikel Arteta’s young and budding Arsenal squad.
#2. Richarlison
Everton front-man Richarlison has taken English football by storm, scoring a combined total of 23 goals whilst also providing 4 assists in the last two Premier League campaigns. The 22-year-old has been the Toffees’ most reliable performer going forward and has single-handedly won them matches in the past.
Even during the club’s appalling run under Marco Silva earlier this season, the Brazilian forward was consistent with his displays, attracting interest from the likes of Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur. Richarlison is an explosive attacker who can operate through the middle or any of the two flanks.
Blessed with incredible pace and technique, he can make runs off defenders or take them on himself with ease, finding spaces behind the defence and exploiting them. He has all types of goals in his repertoire: tap-ins, long-rangers, pile-drivers and even headers.
Carlo Ancelotti plays an attacking brand of football which suits Richarlison’s direct and straightforward approach. And Mikel Arteta’s football is even more adventurous with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe often found hunting in packs and terrorising the opposition. Richarlison, therefore, will perfectly embody the Spaniard's philosophy and playing style.
The Brazil international is an ideal replacement for the Gabonese because of their similar versatility, pacy dribbling and ability to turn matches on their head. If Aubameyang does leave the Emirates Stadium, Arteta should not think twice in putting Richarlison at the top of his summer transfer wish-list.
#1. Gabriel Martinelli
It might seem anti-climactic to see Gabriel Martinelli complete this list but only few would argue against the fact that the Brazilian starlet is perfectly poised to take the mantle from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang next season. The Gabonese’s potential departure could see Martinelli being handed a starting role by Mikel Arteta having scored 10 goals in all competitions this season despite restricted game time.
At just 18 years of age, Martinelli has put his mark on one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs and is now ready to take the next big step. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hailed the teenager as the ‘talent of the century’ after the teams clashed in a Carabao Cup thriller in October. Martinelli scored a brace in that game and has since then netted important goals against West Ham and Chelsea on his route to becoming a fan favourite.
It would definitely not be a straightforward task for Martinelli to simply replace Aubameyang next season but the striker has shown that he has all the confidence and ability to be able to do that. Martinelli is an extremely athletic, quick and dynamic forward who can slot in centrally, complement another striker or take up any position on the wings.
He plays with great vigour and energy, bombing forward and taking defenders on. He has all the Brazilian tricks and flicks in his collection which makes him really exciting to watch. Martinelli’s off-the-ball running and work ethic also make him an asset defensively.
The fact that Martinelli has been thrust into the Arsenal limelight only months after his arrival from his home-land club of Ituano speaks volumes about him as a player. And Aubameyang’s departure could mean that he will have to fill some big shoes going forward.
