Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang seems to be on his way out of Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal have been linked with the goal machine.
The Gabon international finished last season with 31 goals in the Bundesliga and 40 goals in total over 46 matches in all competitions, and it comes as no surprise that top European clubs are fighting to capture his signature.
Aubameyang spent his youth years playing on loan for numerous French clubs while officially being a player for AC Milan who eventually sold him to Saint-Etienne in 2012 for €1.8m, and just one season after, Borussia Dortmund saw the real potential of the player and bought him for €13m.
Style and strengths
The 28-year-old is at the peak of his career and has been a dominant striking force for Borussia Dortmund in the last few seasons.
His incredible pace alongside a raw talent for scoring goals have become his trademark and the striker uses his abilities to maximum effect while leading counter attacks and getting himself in dangerous positions.
His intelligence to make smart runs makes him very unpredictable for defenders and a constant danger. In short, he’s a nightmare to keep track off.
With his pace also comes a great deal of stamina, and Aubameyang is one of the most hardworking players on the field. He can also be used as a winger on either side of the pitch and the player is also responsible in his defensive duties.
Weaknesses
Although he tracks back and defends, he is a pure striker and hasn’t really developed the defensive side of his game, but when you are scoring 30+ goals per season, nobody is looking at your defensive record!
If there is one thing Aubameyang needs to develop it’s his passing, with 71% of his passes successful, he isn’t the best man to keep possession in the final third of the pitch.
Playing for Arsenal
Aubameyang is a top player who is in his best years with plenty of skills and abilities that come with years of experience at the top level of European football.
Arsenal would be very lucky to get a player of his calibre and if he could be paired up with Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, there is absolutely no doubt that he would succeed in conquering the Premier Leagues goal-scoring charts.
The reported fee required to make Borussia Dortmund start talks is around €60m and Arsenal should do what they can to get the player.
The Gunners have the money and they need strong, top quality players like Aubameyang if they want to have a chance at making a challenge for the Premier League title.