Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be on the move as Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing him. The Gabonese striker was made the club captain after the Granit Xhaka controversy, in light of his exceptional displays in front goal. But his days at the club could well be numbered if the reports turn out to be true.
As per Daily Star, Real Madrid could be one of the clubs to join the race to sign Aubameyang if he decides to quit the club. Madrid’s arch-rivals Barcelona, are also interested in signing him and are reportedly front-runners to sign Aubameyang. The report states that the former Borussia Dortmund striker could be reluctant in signing a new deal at the London club if Unai Emery remains the manager.
His current deal with Arsenal expires in 2021, and the board do not want him to enter the final year of his contract without signing a new deal, having apparently learned their lesson in the past couple of years. This could, though, actually force the Gunners to sell their current captain before that, if he does not pen a new contract soon.
Aubameyang, who joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund for around £56 million in the 2018 winter transfer window, has been deadly for them, scoring 50 goals in 80 appearances in all competitions.
But do Real Madrid need Aubameyang?
Real Madrid have somewhat steadied the ship this season under Zinedine Zidane, but they are nowhere near how good they were in the Frenchman’s first few years in charge of the club. The Spanish giants need to bring in a few more players to help them challenge Barcelona in the league, as well as target yet another Champions League trophy.
But, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may not necessarily be the answer to their problems. Firstly, Madrid still have Karim Benzema, who has been a key player for them in the last decade, and it’s highly unlikely that they will sell or bench him anytime soon. The Frenchman will be the first-choice striker at Madrid and has been in good form this season as well, scoring 14 goals in all competitions.
Secondly, Aubameyang is 30 years old and will turn 31 in June – the same age as Benzema. Madrid need a striker in his mid-20s, who can take Benzema’s position when the Frenchman retires or leaves the club. The Arsenal striker may also not want to move to Real Madrid to be on the bench, which could be another roadblock in any potential talks.
Madrid should focus on getting a younger striker, who can play second fiddle to Benzema before taking over the mantle of being Madrid’s No. 1 striker.
They have Luka Jovic for something similar and while the start hasn’t been rosy for the player, there is still time before any judgement can be passed regarding that move.