Why Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona would bolster their attack
According to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio (h/t Mirror), Barcelona are willing to make a move for Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the summer.
Aubameyang, 31, came through the youth ranks of SC Bastia and played for several clubs including AC Milan and AS Monaco before joining Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2013. He established himself as one of the best centre-forwards in Europe during his time in Germany.
The Gabonese international finished as Bundesliga’s top scorer in the 2016/17 season and also helped his side win the German Cup once and the German Super Cup twice.
He joined Arsenal in the summer of 2018 and finished as the joint-highest scorer in the Premier League in his debut season with the Gunners. However, he has just one year left on his contract at Emirates, and thus, Barcelona should look to make a move for him in the summer.
Barcelona, meanwhile, have not been dominant in La Liga as they were in the previous title-winning campaigns. They are currently second in La Liga, level with points on leaders Real Madrid.
With the season entering the business end, Setien should look to strengthen his squad with an eye on the coming campaigns. The Catalans need to be at their best in the next season and for that to happen, Setien should make changes in multiple positions.
Aubameyang could be a leader in Barcelona’s attack
Apart from Lionel Messi, none of the Barcelona forwards have put in excellent performances individually. Star striker Luis Suarez, who led the line brilliantly for the last few years, has not been up to the mark this term. He has also struggled with injuries. The Uruguayan is already 33 and seems to have slowed down.
Danish striker Martin Brathwaite was bought in February to fill the void left by Suarez’s injury. But the former Leganes man hasn’t been able to lead the line like the former Liverpool forward did. And thus, a striker is a must in the summer.
In that regard, signing a world-class striker in Aubameyang would do them a world of good. The Gabonese international has scored more than 15 goals in each of his last 8 league seasons. And he has continued with the fine form this campaign despite Arsenal’s poor form. He has scored 17 goals in 28 league games so far and is the joint second-highest goalscorer in the league.
The 31-year-old has immense experience at the highest level and would be a leader in Barcelona’s attack if he is able to replicate the same form. His inclusion would definitely add quality and depth to Setien’s squad, whilst also bringing in healthy competition.
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Verdict
Aubameyang has already proven his mettle at the highest level and seems to be going strong despite being 31. He has a few more years left to give his best and Barcelona should be able to enjoy his service.
Age seems to be catching up Luis Suarez. And the Gabonese striker comes with a guarantee of goals and thus, the La Liga giants should lure the Arsenal captain to Camp Nou this summer.
