Wissam Ben Yedder has always been an Arsenal favorite. But it seems they have developed some setbacks in making a deal.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract with Arsenal is coming to an end in 2021. But there doesn’t seem like there will be any contract extension happening either. Aubameyang may leave Emirates and Arsenal may not be financially stable to find a proper replacement.
Not playing the Champions League for the past three years have cut off a major part of their income. And hence they are in no situation to think of a star signing.
Losing a player like Aubameyang can be devastating. But with interest from Barcelona and Inter Milan, Auba surely will bid goodbye.
Wissam Ben Yedder is the closest replacement the Gunners have for Aubameyang’s exit. Arsenal had an eye for the Frenchman since the Arsene Wenger era.
How Aubameyang’s exit can affect Arsenal?
The star striker had a wonderful record in the past seasons. He has been a consistent goal scorer in the league. Aubameyang has one 40-goal season, three 30-goal seasons, and two 20-goal seasons. These numbers are only bettered by the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The numbers itself show how important Aubameyang was to Arsenal. But there were certain areas the striker was weak at too. He was able to score goals but was not able to set up chances. Auba was also weak at making key passes that could be converted to goals.
The exit of their star striker can be a hard blow for the Gunners. If Arsenal doesn’t find a forward who is a complete goal poacher like Aubameyang they surely will have some issues to face.
Mikel Arteta took the reins of Arsenal only back in December. The Spanish coach has been doing a wonderful job ever since. But losing a key player will cause some setbacks to his plan for the Gunners. With having financial instability at the management he might not be able to make a high price tag transfer either.
Ben Yedder a suitable substitute?
Wassim Ben Yedder has always been on Arsenal’s wish list. The Frenchman has traits similar to Aubameyang and can make a suitable replacement.
The AC Monaco and former Sevilla star easily adapted to life away from Ligue 1. When he made a move to La Liga, his former coach Pascal Dupraz said: “He could have gone to Arsenal, who are one of the best.” Clearly, there was once interest from the club.”
Ben Yedder was always a reliable goalscorer for almost all of his career. But not as consistent as Aubameyang. He has averaged 0.5 goals a game in all competitions since 2014-15, compared to 0.7 for Aubameyang.
But in the past two seasons, the tally has been somewhat equal. While Ben Yedder netting 49 goals from 84 appearances. Summing at an average of 0.58 goals a game. Aubameyang summed 51 goals from 83 appearances an average of 0.61.
Unlike Auba, Ben Yedder is an all-rounder, Auba is a goal scorer but lacks chance creativity and passing. But the Frenchman, on the other hand, can make key passes that can be turned into goals.
Arsenal stumble with setbacks.
Ben Yedder is nearing his thirties and is valued at around 40 million euros, according to transfermarkt. Arsenal is facing financial instability with not playing the UCL since 2016. They might not be ready to invest in a player who can only be of service to them for fewer years. Moreover, it would be ideal for the Gunners to look for young talent.
Signing young players and developing them into stars will be a clever move. Players like Jonathan David and Odsonne Edouard will fit the Emirates needs. Ben Yedder, despite being the best option doesn’t quite fit the financial side of the deal for Arsenal.