Newcastle lead cadre of interested clubs

Arsenal star striker and former club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be edging closer to an exit from the Emirates in January after a handful of clubs have been linked with interest in the Gabonese international.

Set to star for Gabon in the 2021 African Cup of Nations that kicks off on 9 January in Cameroon, Aubameyang has been left out to dry after multiple disciplinary infractions during his time under boss Mikel Arteta and his exile from first-team duties seems a precursor to a possible winter exit.

According to Football.London citing The Shields Gazette, Premier League outfit Newcastle have joined a list of interested clubs that includes Barcelona, Juventus, and Olympique Lyonnais.

The Magpies remain focused in their attempts to bring in reinforcements in January to try to push the club out of its currently rooted position in the bottom three.

With all areas of the park needing reinforcement, increasing the club’s ability to score goals is as important as their struggles at the back this term. With Aubameyang now well out of favor at Arsenal and Newcastle’s newfound wealth, convincing the Gabonese star to travel north to St. James’ Park may not be out of the realm of possibility.

Arsenal roll without Aubameyang once again

Should Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang depart from north London during the January window, Arsenal is likely to not skip a beat as their current run of form without their former captain continues to prove that they do not lament his absence.

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are currently on a four-match winning run; longer than any other club in the Premier League apart from table-topping Manchester City who is starting to run away with their lead at the summit of the English top flight.

Arsenal star subject of interest from four clubs as January exit grows increasingly likely

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 15: Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on December 15, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)

That form has given Arsenal a 6-point lead over bitter rivals Tottenham in the fight for fourth as West Ham continues to tumble down the table after their hot start to the campaign.

Across the winning run, Arsenal has managed 14-goals; also more than any other club other than City, and all without the presence of Aubameyang.

While Alexandre Lacazette and Arteta’s young guns continue to supply the goods in the final third, Aubameyang – now 32-years-old – has reached another crossroads in his career. But if current evidence is anything to go by, his services are no longer required at the Emirates Stadium.