Category Archives: Aubameyang

by | February 2, 2022 · 9:44 am

Thank you AUBA

After a dramatic end to the winter transfer window, Arsenal fans hoped that the club would sign a new player to strengthen the attack instead of seeing their ex-captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leave. Arsenal released a club statement on their website stating, “Aubameyang leaves club by mutual consent.” Arsenal fans believe that the captain’s armband is cursed at their club. Aubameyang was given the captains role by their former manager Unai Emery, and this also continued under the current manager Mikel Arteta. Arteta has observed and stated that Auba has had disciplinary issues in recent years.

This was first seen in the North London derby last season when he was not part of the starting lineup, with Arteta citing disciplinary issues. This continued in this season when he was not part of the squad against Southampton in the Premier League while Arteta again cited disciplinary reasons. A few days later, Auba was removed from the captaincy role by the manager. Aubameyang was purchased from Dortmund on the deadline day of the winter transfer window for a then club-record fee of £56 million. However, the ending does not do enough justification. Four years later, he decides to leave the club and join the Spanish giants Barcelona on the same day.  Let us have a look at his time in Arsenal.

AUBAMEYANG 2018-22

He was bought into the club by Arsene Wenger to improve the attack. Scoring in his debut league game against Everton gave the fans what they wanted to see. He scored ten goals in his first half-season appearances and provided four assists in 13 league games. Auba was the last goal scorer for Arsenal under the spell of Arsene Wenger.  His goal-scoring form from the German league made him the leading man in attack.  Starting the new season under new manager Unai Emery, Auba scored his first season goal against Cardiff City.  In the 2018-19 season, Auba was on a roll and scored goals pretty often; this resulted in reaching the ten goals mark before anyone else in that season. He ended the season by scoring two goals against Burnley, making him the season’s top scorer alongside the Liverpool duo Salah and Mane with 22 goals. However, the ending of the season was pretty upsetting as they lost the Europa League finals to their London rivals Chelsea 4-1. He also won the Player of the Month for his five goals scored in September.

In the new season, 2019-20, he scored goals crucial in Arsenal’s successful season. Auba turned into a clutch player in the FA Cup, where he helped his team beat the defending champions Man City 2-0, scoring both the goals. They then played Chelsea in the finals of the FA Cup. Chelsea opened the scoring in the 5th minute, Auba then equalised in the 28th minute by converting a penalty and then scored the winner in the 67th minute. He became the first African to win the FA Cup as a captain. He finished the season with 22 league goals. Further, he could not continue the goal-scoring run in the next season, although the manager gave him enough chances.

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Filed under Arsenal, Aubameyang, Opinions

by | May 18, 2020 · 11:48 am

Arsenal’s rising academy stars that could replace Aubameyang next season

Arsenal’s Hale End academy has witnessed the promotion of many youngsters to the first team. Players like Alex Iwobi, Joe Willock, Eddie Nketiah, Smith Rowe all graduated from the youth squad to the main team before some of them left for greener pastures.

Bukayo is currently the latest successful player produced by the famous academy, and certainly won’t be the last as there are some top teenagers who are close to gaining a spot in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

In this post, we shall be discussing on the top three youngsters who will likely make their first-team debut during next season. Who are the players?

1. Folarin Balogun

Folarin Balogun is a deadly striker who has a very bright future ahead of him. The 18-year-old is highly rated by the club’s hierarchies due to his goalscoring ability which saw him converted 25 chances in 19 Premier League (U18) matches last season. The England U19 international is a powerful striker who is comfortable using both legs. His dribbling skills and confidence in front of goal are other qualities that distinguish him from most of his peers.

In fact, some media outlets are tipping him to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyamg next season should the Gabonese striker decide to leave North London this summer. What’s the player’s chance of making his first-team debut next season? 70% I would say.

2. Miguel Azeez

Azeez, 17-year-old centre midfielder, was included in the Gunners Europa League squad prior to the start of the season, which further signifies how he’s highly rated by the North London club. He needs no introduction to many Arsenal fans because his beautiful goal against Aston Villa in one of U18 fixtures was well celebrated by the fans on social media.

The goal was enough to bring him to limelight and he has since been in Arteta’s list of youngsters to be promoted. Apart from his eye for goal and attacking potentials, Azeez’s defensive qualities are equally topnotch as he possesses the energy to make tireless runs during matches. Having featured for the U23 team, Azeez is really close to breaking into Arteta’s team and we believe he has 65% of doing so next season.

3. Sam Greenwood

Scoring 12 goals in 14 games is not an easy task to accomplish, but that was achieved by Greenwood while playing for England’s U17 team. His versatility remains his strongest potential as he can feature as a right winger, left winger or centre forward.

Greenwood has become one of the highly-rated youngsters in the Hale End academy despite joining the youth team last season. He is tipped to make it through to the senior team next season as we give him 70%.

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Filed under Arsenal, Arteta, Aubameyang, General Musings, gooner news, Monday Night Preview, Opinions, Premier League

by | May 13, 2020 · 8:03 pm

4 reasons why £23m-rated Victor Osimhen could be Arsenal’s new Thierry Henry

Arsenal and Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains yet uncertain to remain at the Emirates Stadium beyond this season as he’s close to the end of his contract with the Gunners. The 30-year-old France-born was the north London club’s most in-form player before the football season was halted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Though it is believed that Arteta and his employers are doing everything possible to see him extend his current at the Emirates, but it remains to be seen if they will be successful in their mission. With doubts over his future with the Emirates, there are reports linking the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea all vying for his signature this summer, and it won’t be out of place to suggest that the Gunners ought to begin by now their search for a replacement.

Speaking of an ideal replacement to Aubameyang, no other player comes to mind other than former VfL Wolfsburg youngster Victor Osimhen – who currently plies his trade for France Ligue 1 outfit Lille OSC – who should be Arsenal’s top candidate to replace the Gabonese forward should he eventually face the exit door at Emirates this summer.

However, many will doubt what makes Nigerian international the right choice for Arsenal and why Arteta should enter into transfer lock horns with Chelsea and Manchester United for his signature? Answering both questions, below are four candid answers to these questions on why Arsenal should go all out and invest on the 21-year-old forward as they aim for Premier League glory next season.

1. Goal-scoring potentials

Osimhen, 21, was one of the deadliest strikers in French Ligue 1 this season so far with 13 goals and five assists to his name from 27 league appearances. Osimhen also has to his name two goals in the UEFA Champions League for Lille in five matches despite his side’s unimpressive performance in the group stage of the competition. He went on from this to scoring three goals for his side in their domestic League Cups, racking up his goal tally this season to 18 goals from 38 matches in all outings. To lose Aubameyang this summer and replace him with a below-par forward would be a serious blow for the Gunners judging by how star-studded the Premier League now is.

2. Age is on his side

Osimhen is in the prime of his career as he is just 21 years of age. Unlike Aubameyang who is 30, the Nigerian star still more years ahead of him meaning the Gunners will enjoy more of his services should everything go on as expected.

3. Impressive adaptability

If Arsenal must replace Aubameyang without any difficulty, they must go for a player who will quickly get used to the ways things are done in the country’s top-flight league. Despite spending a few months at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, the Nigerian forward was able to adapt to his new environment as he developed a great understanding with his striking partners Jonathan Ikoné, Loïc Rémy and the whole team. He will likely do the same at the Emirates Stadium judging by his obvious hunger and desire for more successes and playing alongside Nicolas Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette, Mesut Ozil and the rest of the team.

4. He is relatively easy to get

Though Chelsea and Manchester United are leading the park for his services, Osimhen won’t be too difficult to get, unlike other European youngsters. His price tag, which is believed to be at £23 million (€27m Transfermarkt), shouldn’t scare the Gunners off which is relatively cheap and affordable. It should be recalled that former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger tried capturing the youngster in 2015 following his record-breaking display during the U17 World Cup but the Frenchman was beaten by German side Wolfsburg. It remains unknown if Arteta will develop an interest in the player when the summer transfer window begins. Hence, we keep our fingers crossed as we monitor how things unfold.

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Filed under Arsenal, Arteta, Ask the Revd., Aubameyang, gooner news, News, Premier League, Transfer Bollocks

by | March 23, 2020 · 6:16 pm

Liverpool could make move to sign Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

The English Premier League is currently on break as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak which has prevented many football matches from taking place in Europe and other part of the world since February.

However, the pandemic is unable to stop the media from coming up with latest transfer news regarding players who are likely to change their current club during the next summer transfer window.

The most shocking but interesting news coming out of the Emirate Stadium this morning revealed that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is interested in luring Arsenal’s want-away striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Anfield Stadium in the summer.

According to the Mirror, the former Borussia Dortmund manager is highly impressed with the Gabonese international , and he is ready to explore the player’s contract situation to his advantage.

The 30-year-old centre-forward is in the final year of his contract with the Gunners and pundits can’t stop linking him with a move out of the Emirate Stadium.

Though it is believed that the Gunners hierarchies are in talks with the player’s agent over a new contract but it remains unknown if that will be enough to prevent other clubs from snatching him out of Mikel Arteta’s watch before the start of next season.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are not the only European giants keeping close tabs on the player’s current situation. Manchester United are said to be monitoring the gunners top striker as Ole Gunnar Solskjear is very keen on bringing a goal-poacher to Old Trafford on a long-term deal.

Despite signing in-form Odion Ighalo on a loan deal from Shanghai Shenua In January, Solskjear is still keen on bolstering his side by signing a very reliable goalscorer who can convert most of his clear-cut chances.

Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham are also in the race for the player’s services as Mourinho aims to provide a strong competition for Harry Kane.

Jose Mourinho’s men have struggled to win matches since Kane picked up an injury, and they are far from qualifying for next year’s Champions league competition.

The Portuguese tactician will hope to see his employers beat other suitors to Aubameyang’s services in the summer as that will surely boost his team’s attacking prowess during his second season as the Spurs manager.

Barcelona are also linked with a move for the former Borussia Dortmund star as the Catalans begin intense search for Luis Suarez’s replacement.

The Uruguayan has been a huge success at Camp Nou, but the La Liga Champions could release him in the next transfer market due to his late injury concerns.

Aubameyang is reportedly their major target and Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu is doing everything within his power to ensure that the player ends up being the club’s top striker in the 2020-21 season.

Conclusively, Arsenal will definitely want to do everything possible to make Abameyang stay at the Emirate Stadium beyond this campaign due to his goalscoring abilities and Lacazette’s uncertain future.

As for Liverpool, it is yet to be seen how Klopp will feature Salah, Mane, Firmino, and Aubameyang in his starting lineup, should he eventually capture the Gabonese star.

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Filed under Arsenal, Arteta, Aubameyang, gooner news, Premier League, Transfer Bollocks

by | February 29, 2020 · 1:54 pm

Mesut Ozil to remain at Arsenal despite 2020-21 UCL uncertainty

There have claims and counter-claims surrounding the future of Arsenal’s and ex-Germany international Mesut Ozil. The claims have suggested nothing more than saying the 31-year-old could be on his way out of the Emirates Stadium before the end of his contract next year.

It should be recalled that the player was heavily linked with a move to Fenerbahce during the first half of the season due to lack of regular first-team action under the then Arsenal boss Unai Emery.

Unfortunately, Ozil’s proposed move and talks about his move to the Turkish side failed to materialize as Emery was shown the exit door in November owing to run of poor form.

Ozil then became a regular starter for the Gunners under Freddie Ljungberg, who replaced the Spanish tactician.

Furthermore, Ozil’s be an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s team since he took over from Ljungberg, but there are still claims that the former Real Madrid playmaker could leave Arsenal by the end of the season.

Read also: Aubameyang’s future in doubt: Two reasons Arsenal could lose their key player

However, Ozil’s agent Dr Erkut Sogut has confirmed the player’s desire to remain under Arteta’s tutelage until 2021.

According to him, Ozil still has 15 months left to run on his current deal with the North London club, and he wants to help them return to their glory days as soon as possible.

Sogut said:

“He still has 15 months to go. Until then, he will stay at Arsenal, for sure. He will stay until the end of his contract. There’s no chance he’ll leave.”

Since joining the Gunners from Real Madrid seven years ago, the 92-cap former Germany international has notched up 183 Premier matches, with 33 goals and 53 assists to his name for the Gunners. (Premier League)

He has won three FA Cup trophies but he is yet to lift the Premier League title. He has been an integral part of Arteta’s team this season and the manager will rely on him to help the team qualify for next season’s Champions League competition.

Having crashed out of the Europa League following their 2-1 defeat to Olympiakos on Thursday, the Gunners now need to end the season among the top-four clubs to stand a chance of featuring in Champions League campaign next season.

Meanwhile, Arteta has charged his men to up their game if they must beat Chelsea, Tottenham, Wolves and Manchester United to the fourth position.

Read more from gooner news: Two players who can help Arsenal achieve top-four finish

Speaking after Tuesday’s Europa League ouster, the former Spanish midfielder urge his players to keep believing in themselves and respond brilliantly to the shock defeat suffered at the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta said:

“I just want to concentrate now on lifting those players, getting back the belief, and convincing them that there is still a lot to play for, and move on.”

With 11 Premier League matches to go until end of the season, Arteta and cohorts cannot be ruled out in the race for a top-four finish this season. Arsenal are currently sitting ninth on the Premier League table with 37 points from 27 matches at the time of this article. They are seven points behind Chelsea who are in the fourth position.

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Filed under Arsenal, Arteta, Ask the Revd., Aubameyang, General Musings, Ozil, Transfer Bollocks

by | February 28, 2020 · 12:22 pm

Aubameyang’s future in doubt: Two reasons Arsenal could lose their key player

Arsenal could be on the verge of losing their most influential striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the next transfer window as he is close to the end of his contract with the club.

The in-form striker is in the final year of his contract, and the Gunners hierarchies are reportedly doing everything possible to extend his stay at the North London club.

However, the club might fail in their bid to see the player remain under Arteta beyond this season due to the reasons listed below:

1. The Urge For Champions League Action

Mikel Arteta’s men presently occupy the ninth position with 37 points, seven points behind Chelsea who are in the fourth position, and their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League remains in doubt.

Judging by their current position on the Premier League table and Manchester United’s newfound confidence, it won’t be out of context to suggest that their chances of featuring in any of next year’s European competitions (Champions League and Europa League) remains uncertain.

Aubameyang will certainly want to ply his trade across Europe next season; hence, the Gunners face a very slim chance of convincing the player into signing a new contract before the end of the season.

2. Interest From Top European Clubs

Barcelona were the first club who showed interest in the striker following the injury picked up by Luis Suarez, but the Gunners were smart enough to deny the Blaugranas the chance of negotiating with the player during the winter transfer window.

However, Arsenal’s mission to prevent all interested suitors from snatching Aubameyang away is far from over as Barcelona are likely to reignite interest in the player in the next transfer market.

In the same vein, Inter Milan are equally knocking on the player’s door. According to Italian outlet Inter Live, Antonio Conte is looking at the prospect of luring the Gabonese striker to the San Siro Stadium as part of his mission to boost his attacking department next season.

The former Chelsea boss, who signed Lukaku from Manchester United prior to the start of this campaign, hopes to include the Arsenal forward to the list of players he wants to have under his watch in the 2020-21 season.

The Italy-based media outlet further revealed that the Nerrazurri are set to launch a player-plus-cash move for the striker, which could see Ivan Perisic move to the Emirates Stadium.

As much as the Gunners are not in desperate need of a winger, the North London club might fail to overcome the temptation of making huge profits from a player who could leave the club as free agent.

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Filed under Arsenal, Arteta, Aubameyang, gooner news, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League

by | February 24, 2020 · 3:25 pm

EPL top-four race: Two players who can help Arsenal in a 10-club race

The race for the Premier League top-four finish is getting heater, harder and hotter as the season progresses, and no fewer than ten clubs still stand a chance of claiming a spot.

Barring a disastrous loss of form, it’s a forgone conclusion that Liverpool already have their place in next season’s Champions League competition as they will certainly finish among top three clubs.

The same can’t be said about Manchester City and Leicester City who currently occupy the second and third position respectively.

Both sides have been inconsistent in their performances all through the campaign. Nonetheless, they still have strong chances of finishing among the top four clubs.

The fight for the fourth position — which is the last Champions League qualifying spot — is set to go down the wire. With the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur, Sheffield United and Burnley all vying for a chance to claim the last spot.

Though Chelsea currently occupy the fourth position with 44 points, they are far from being untouchable judging by Manchester United and Arsenal’s present form.

The Red Devils have kept two clean sheets in their last two matches (against Chelsea and Watford), picking maximum points in the process. Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s and his cohorts will definitely want to maintain the tempo throughout the rest of the campaign.

Arsenal on the hand, have recorded six points in their last two games against Newcastle United and Everton. Although, they didn’t keep any clean sheet.

The North London club are currently sitting in eighth position with 37 points at the time of this article but you can’t rule them out of Champions League race due to their recent resurgence under new boss Mikel Arteta.

For the first time as Arsenal manager, the Spanish gaffer led the Gunners to a back-to-back victories on Sunday, and the North London club are growing in strong confidence as you could see in the performance against the Toffees on Sunday.

As much as all the players seem to have up their game in recent week, gooner news have come up with the name of two players who can help the team achieve their prime target for the campaign.

1. Bukayo Saka

The English youngster is fast becoming an assist king at the Emirates stadium, having provided 10 assists in all competitions.

Despite featuring in an unfamiliar left-back position, the 18-year-old has been an influential player for Mikel Arteta’s side.

His teammates, especially strikers, will definitely rely on his pin-point crosses to score more goals if they must beat Chelsea and other rivals to the last Champions League spot.

2. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

The Gabonese centre-forward is obviously the most in-form Arsenal player so far this season, having scored 16 goals in 27 matches.

He scored a brace in a keenly contested fixture against Everton on Sunday, and his goals and work ethic will be hugely needed by the Gunners for the rest of the season.

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Filed under Arsenal, Arteta, Aubameyang, gooner news, Monday Night Preview, Premier League, Saka, UEFA Champions League

by | January 25, 2020 · 8:31 pm

Gooner News: Five insights ahead of our next stop at the Dean Court

Hello folks…I hope the weekend is going on great!

Feels good to be back writing on the Gooner Republic after my long sabbatical leaves away from every affairs of managing the website on a daily basis.

A lot has changed within the Arsenal community over the years and the club’s fanbase as well as news sources for gooner news supporters on a day-to-day basis. However, I will be more committed to updating you all folks with two to three thoughts weekly here on the Gooner Republic for every gooner news enthusiast.

So yes, our next stop will be at the Dean Court against Eddie Howe’s AFC Bournemouth side for our 4th Round fixture of the FA Cup tournament.

Despite our draw against Frank Lampard’s men at the Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, we are still nowhere below or above 10th on the Premier League with just seven points above the Poppies in the ranking order.

That said, here are the five insights every fan should know as we head to Dean Court for our 4th Round fixture of the FA Cup tournament.

  • Our meeting on Monday night against the Poppies will be the first-ever FA Cup meeting and only 12th meeting overall over between us and the Kings Park-based club.
  • Arsenal has won only eight of their previous 11 competitions – won eight, draw 2 and lost one – sharing 1-1 draw in the most recent meeting in the Premier League against the Poppies back in December last year.
  • Eddie Howe’s men have only progressed to the FA Cup fifth round on four previous occasions, most recently during the 2015-16 season and 1928-29, 1956-57 and 1988-89.
  • As we all know, we have progressed from seven of our last eight FA Cup fourth round ties, with our only failure in the tournament in that run coming last season when we lost 3-1 at home to Manchester United.
  • Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, not sure if he will play on Monday yet, has scored in three of his previous four appearances against Bournemouth – all happening in the Premier League fixtures – including netting in both games at their own backyard.

With these stats, the boys should find a winning easy to come by and who knows, it might be our year for another FA Cup trophy in the shelf!

That will be all for tonight fellas…..I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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Filed under Arsenal, Arteta, Aubameyang, FA Cup, General Musings, gooner news, Monday Night Preview, Premier League