Arsenal have a chance to resolve their issues in the January transfer window by reintroducing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang into the first team before deadline day.
The Gabonese national football federation has confirmed that the 32-year-old will be returning from the African Cup of Nations after reports that he has been suffering from ‘heart lesions’ after contracting the Covid-19 virus.
Aubameyang has been banished from Mikel Arteta’s side since he was punished due to disciplinary issues, which also resulted in him losing the captaincy.
However, with the striker crisis the Gunners currently find themselves in, and the potential return of Aubameyang, it gives an added incentive for both parties to improve their relations.
The Gabonese international hasn’t featured for Arsenal since the north London’s side embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park, where he was used as a substitute.
Aubameyang had sent shockwaves through the footballing world when it emerged that he was left out of the next match against Southampton due to disciplinary issues, and he hasn’t played or trained with the first team ever since.
It was further announced that the striker would not be allowed to train with the senior squad until after the African Cup of Nations, which led to a lot of speculation surrounding his future.
The potential departure of Aubameyang has seen the club linked with a host of strikers, with Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic being the main target for the Gunners.
Although there has been no major breakthrough with Vlahovic at this stage, football.london understands that the Gunners are pushing hard for the Fiorentina striker and would like to complete the signing in the January transfer window if possible.
The club are very light in the forward positions with Folarin Balogun’s loan deal to Middlesborough being completed, and Eddie Nketiah continuing to be linked with a move away.
Despite recent events, Aubameyang may be open to rectifying his mistakes and returning to the first-team setup at London Colney. The Gabon international was pictured wearing an Arsenal shirt whilst away at AFCON, which could indicate the love he has for the club.
The 32-year-old would certainly be welcomed back into the team after scoring 92 goals for the club in just 163 games. In addition to this, he managed to claim the 2018/19 golden boot after scoring 22 goals during his second season in England.
The pressure on Alexandre Lacazette to stay fit is currently huge due to the shortages in attack, and if Arsenal do not manage to sign a new striker this month, then the return of Aubameyang could help the Gunners in their push for Champions League qualification.
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