Italian giants Juventus have reportedly identified Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
According to the report in Tutto Mercato Web, Juventus are interested in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and have opened talks with Arsenal to find an agreement as they look to find an apt replacement for Manchester City-bound Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly lodged a transfer request and wants a move to Manchester City before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. As a result, the Bianconeri have found a suitable emergency replacement in Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Manchester City were interested in Tottenham striker Harry Kane throughout the summer, and they are said to have made at least two substantial bids to Spurs. However, as it’s now been made clear, Kane will not leave the north London club, which has certainly diverted the whole transfer cycle, with Manchester City now looking towards Ronaldo.
Jorge Mendes has offered Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester City, and talks are well underway. There’s a real possibility that the Portuguese forward can end up at the Etihad in the next few days; this will have a domino effect as Juventus would need a prolific striker to replace Ronaldo.
Juventus would prefer not to lose Ronaldo without having a backup in place. Though Aubameyang endured a tough spell last term, there were glimpses of him returning to peak form. Most recently, the Arsenal captain demonstrated his poaching skills with a superb hat-trick against West Bromwich Albion, and so, it is easy to understand why Juventus see him as the successor to fill the void left by Ronaldo.
The 32-year-old Gabon international arrived at Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund back in January 2018. Since then, he has been an integral part of the Gunners’ core and instantly became a fan favourite owing to his attacking instincts and prolific goal-scoring streaks in front of goal.
Aubameyang has netted 85 goals and registered 19 assists in 149 appearances for Arsenal. He was also chosen as the club captain in due course. However, his form has been on the decline for around a year now. Last season, the Gabonese striker produced a measly tally of 10 goals in 29 appearances in the Premier League.
There were some reports earlier in the window that Arsenal may be open to selling one of Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette to get their huge wages off their books. But it seems doubtful that Arsenal would sell Aubameyang as Mikel Arteta has himself came affirmed that Aubameyang will not be leaving Arsenal this summer. However, as was the case with Joe Willock, if a tempting offer arrives, Arsenal would have a seriously consideration on their hands.
This would be a sensible decision from the Arsenal hierarchy. Given that Aubameyang is on sky-high wages, offloading him would free up lots of space on Arsenal’s over-bloated wage bill while also assisting them to generate funds to bring in an elite young forward like Lautaro Martinez, who can lead their frontline for many years to come. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if Juventus end up signing Aubameyang as a replacement for Ronaldo.
