Manchester United are thought to be keen on a move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer, who is reportedly open to the idea of swapping the Emirates for Old Trafford this summer.
That is according to a report in the Mirror, who cite Tuttosport’s claim that the striker has ‘said yes’ to a move to Old Trafford ahead of next season.
The former Borussia Dortmund man has been linked with a move away from the London club and fuelled speculation over his future when he removed the words ‘Arsenal’ from his social media accounts, amid rumours of a move to China earlier this month.
Should it go ahead, it would undoubtedly be one of the biggest, and most controversial transfers of the year, with the Gunners set to be battling it out with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side for a Champions League spot next campaign. But should Arsenal let him go?
It’s a big decision to make for Arsenal, who need to choose between receiving a sizeable fee which can be put towards improving the squad in other areas, or keeping a player who has been a consistent goal-scorer since arriving 18 months ago.
Unai Emery is thought to want signings in defence, midfield and on the wing, meaning funds will have to be generated in order to make quality signings in those areas.
The 30-year-old forward has two years left on his current contract, so Arsenal will be able to demand a big price for him, and the fact the interested club is Manchester United means there will probably be a premium placed on top of their asking price too.
The final fee would definitely allow for two or three big money signings to be made, which would make the squad better overall.
If rumours are to be believed, one of the players that money would go towards is Wilfried Zaha, who would take up the left-wing position that Aubameyang played in on numerous occasions last term.
Emery would find it difficult to fit Aubameyang, Zaha and Alexandre Lacazette into his line-up.
Considering Zaha is likely to cost upwards of £60 million and Lacazette being considered more effective than Aubameyang last year, it could make sense to cash in on the Gabon international.
Selling a clinical goal scorer and one of your best players to a direct rival may not be the wisest decision from the Gunners, though, with Aubameyang a step-up from what the Red Devils have at the moment.
He would make them better and actually make life more difficult for Arsenal next year, with United one of the teams they will have to better to get back into the top four.
With no pressure or necessity to let him leave, it may be better to keep him, even if a tempting offer does come in, and leave Emery with the dilemma of how to ensure all of his attacking talents get game time.
If anything, that’s a nice problem to have for the Spanish manager, who won’t be dissatisfied at having a Premier League golden boot winner still available to him.
It would also mean the squad depth is better for next season if Aubameyang stays and new signings are made, making it easier for the Gunners to cope with the demands of the league, cup and Europa League football – giving them a better chance of success.
Aubameyang has previously spoken of his commitment to Arsenal, however, it will be interesting to see if that changes should Manchester United make a concrete offer in the coming weeks.
