Olivier Giroud, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang swap makes more sense than what you think

The potential transfer of Alexis Sanchez heading to Manchester United has grabbed most of the headlines in Europe over the next few days. However, the departure of the Chilean star is not the only loss that Arsenal might suffer in the coming days. Theo Walcott already left the club to join Everton. And Borussia Dortmund are reportedly keen to take Olivier Giroud on loan.

The potential departure of Giroud is nothing more than a rumour. However, the move would make a lot of sense. Giroud needs to leave Arsenal if he wants to defend France in the 2018 World Cup. He could use the playing time elsewhere to convince Didier Deschamps he deserves a spot on a French side that has a lot of depth on the attacking end.

The arrival of Giroud to Dortmund would sweeten the pot on a potential deal to bring Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Arsenal. The Gabon international wants to leave the Bundesliga club, and Arsenal are keen to sign him as the replacement for Alexis Sanchez. So with that potential swap in mind, let’s take a look on why both Arsenal and Dormtund would benefit from this potential transfer.

Arsenal’s point of view

It is not a secret that Arsenal would take advantage of someone like Aubameyang. Even though the team would have to do some tactical adjustments since Lacazette would have to play on a wider role, that shouldn’t represent much of a sacrifice. The former Lyon star used to play on a wider role at Lyon, and he thrives on the open field. It would also allow Aubameyang to play on his more prefered central role. That’s the same one that he uses at Dortmund. Ergo, the adjustments would be minimal.

Plus, the potential arrival of the Gabon international would give Arsenal something they haven’t had since the Thierry Henry days: a world-class. proven striker who can score with the best of them. Sanchez has enjoyed decent scoring runs, but he’s not a natural striker. Aubameyang is, and he would automatically improve the side. If we add the presence of Mesut Özil and the likely arrival of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, then the possibilities are endless.

Aubameyang would likely need a few weeks to adjust to the pace of the Premier League. But he is good enough to play in the league, and Arsenal should do everything they can to acquire him.

Dortmund’s point of view

Now let’s look at things from a different perspective. If we look at Dortmund, then it’s clear the team needs a new striker. Aubameyang does not want to be there anymore, and they do not have a viable replacement. Andrei Yarmolenko plays better on a wider role, and the same thing could be said about the other attacking options such as Marco Reus, Andre Schurrle, Maximilian Philipp and Christian Pulisic. Right now, Aubameyang’s backup is Alexander Isak… and while the Swedish is a player loaded with potential, he’s not ready to be a regular starter.

Ergo, landing Giroud would be great for them. The French is a proven player at the highest level, and can operate on a team as a target man. Dortmund’s tactical plan includes a player that can operate inside the box and between the centre-backs to act as an attacking reference. And players like Reus, Mario Götze, Pulisic and others would get a much-needed reference inside the box. That’s something that can change the gameplan of a team.

Furthermore, Giroud’s physicality and strength could be key as well. He wouldn’t have many problems to settle in the Bundesliga. That means that Dortmund would (potentially) get a ready-to-plug-in replacement in case Auba ends up leaving.

As you can see, both sides would benefit from a deal. Now we only have to see if either team decides to pull the trigger.