Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has recently been named as the club’s new captain. The circumstances in which he was given the armband were far from ideal but nonetheless captaining a club of Arsenal’s stature is a huge privilege.
The Gunners striker has been on the receiving end of some criticism in recent weeks for his interactions with controversial fan channel AFTV but despite the angry reactions from some he remains a fan favourite.
Xhaka would never
— Jay (@PEPESZNN) November 18, 2019
Captain fantastic
— ICES ????GH????????????????? (@AkpongE) November 18, 2019
Our Messiah ???
— JuniorLee? (@junior_lee33) November 18, 2019
My captain. ??
— Onwumere Divine (@dunoworld) November 18, 2019
HOW BLESSED WE’RE TO HAVE HIM AT THE ARSENAL ?????
— A faithful Goonerette ???? (@SportsFreakRosh) November 18, 2019
What a beast ??????
— Hackett89 (@Hackett891) November 18, 2019
True captain here! ??
— ?vans (@swingevans) November 19, 2019
Auba you rock!
— Morzoth (@dilmata) November 19, 2019
What do we think?
Aubameyang’s importance to this current Arsenal side cannot be underestimated. The Gabonese forward has scored eight goals in the Gunners opening 12 Premier League games this season and holds the key to the club’s Champions League qualification hopes. The 30-year-old reached 50 goals for Arsenal faster than the legendary Thierry Henry which further highlights the instant impact this player has had since his arrival in North London.
If Arsenal were to miss out on Champions League qualification once again, there are fears they run the risk of losing another star. Aubameyang’s contract is set to expire at the end of next season and he’s yet to sign an extension. Raul Sanllehi and Vinai Venkatesham have been clear in their desire not to allow players to enter into the last year of their contract; a problem the Gunners have fallen victims of in recent seasons.
Will the club’s hierarchy stick to their guns if their star-player continues to stall on a signing a new deal or will they make an exception for a player who has proven invaluable of late? Aubameyang is a player the club must keep at all costs and so it will be interesting to see how this develops and whether or not Raul and company are as ruthless as they say they are.