Arsenal needs more players like Aubameyang

For years, Arsenal fans claimed that they needed a prolific striker. The Gunners may have mounted a more realistic challenge for the Premier League title in recent seasons with a truly prolific striker in their ranks.

It seems the Gunners do finally have a prolific striker in their ranks in the shape of Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The striker scored for the fourth consecutive game in a 3-2 victory over Southampton on Sunday.

Aubameyang’s six goals and one assist in his first seven top-flight appearances for the Gunners is a club-record. The striker may have added to his tally, only for boss Arsene Wenger to substitute the forward on 70 minutes.

The decision seemed questionable with Aubameyang eligible to play in the Gunners Thursday night Europa League quarter-final second leg against CSKA Moscow. However, Wenger has stated that he thought Aubameyang was jaded and that Alexandre Lacazette needed the run out.

Could not expect anything different from Aubameyang

Aubameyang produced very respectable goal-scoring numbers at both previously clubs Dortmund and before that St Etienne. The striker found the net 29 times in 54 Ligue One appearances before scoring 98 Bundesliga goals in 144 appearances for BVB.

The striker virtually guarantees goals for whichever team he plays for he is a true goal poacher. However, unlike some goal poachers, he does not lack technical ability.

Arsenal have long been linked with a move for Aubameyang. In fact, for the last two summers at least the media have reported that the striker was heading to north London.

He did finally join the Gunners in January and in his prime at 28 years of age. However, some have been surprised that he took the time he did to move to the Premier League. Now he is here. He has made an instant impact on the English top-flight.

Shame his teammates are not at the same level

Arsenal have been for years a few players short of being true contenders for the Premier League crown. However, the last few seasons the Gunners have seemed further than ever away from fighting for the big trophy.

This season looks to be the second in a row that the team from north London have missed out on a top-four spot and qualification for the Champions League. Quite simply, their team and squad are not good enough to compete with the other teams in the top-six.

The Gunners are currently on a run of six straight wins in all competitions. However, that is because Wenger’s team seem to produce their best performances when there is no pressure on them. When they are expected to win things, they wilt.

Arsenal could still win the Europa League, which they are 5/2 to achieve, but their league campaign has still been a big failure, due to the fact they are nowhere near a top-four finish.

Arsenal need to add similar quality to Aubameyang

This summer could be an interesting one at the Emirates. Whether boss Arsene Wenger stays or not, the Gunners need to invest in similar sorts of quality players to Aubameyang.

I am sure he did not sign for Arsenal to be playing in the Europa League for the rest of his career. He played in the Champions League with Dortmund and no doubt, that is the standard he should be playing at in the near future.

The Gunners may well qualify for the Champions League via winning the Europa League this season. The team from north London really needs return to Europe’s elite competition in order to keep attracting players in a similar mould to Aubameyang.

Can Aubameyang help Arsenal challenge for the title in the near future?