Why would Arsenal target a veteran forward from the Serie A?
I think it is pretty clear what challenges they are facing to extend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract. Nothing has been finalised yet as the summer transfer window inches closer.
If the Gabon international’s services are not retained beyond the summer of 2021, it is likely that he will be sold off in the coming months. Arsenal rebuilding project will surely take a major hit with Aubameyang gone but Ciro Immobile will definitely lessen the blow.
The Italian striker has been revolutionary for Lazio over the past four seasons, scoring 116 goals in 167 appearances for them. Signed for only £9 million, he has been their standout performer on a consistent basis for years now. His finishing abilities are somewhat relative to some of the best strikers out there.
Aubameyang has been Arsenal’s best player throughout the campaign and replacing him will be a daunting task, given Arsenal’s financial woes. Immobile could cost a pretty penny but will be so worth it. He is a proven scorer in the European top-flight and could deliver a decent return of goals at this stage of his career. His contract with Lazio is set to run until June 2023 which gives them the upper hand.
Immobile, of course, is not as versatile as Aubameyang and might not be able to play from the flanks. But, he is a terrific option to take over at centre-forward and replicate the 31-year-old’s goal return to a certain degree. Hopes are still not lost on Aubameyang staying for longer but the Gunners need to be prepared for the worst.
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