‘Arsenal can replace Man Utd-linked Aubameyang’ – Lehmann laments lack of direction at Emirates

The Gunners’ top scorer has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford and their former goalkeeper would not rule out selling the striker
Arsenal legend Jens Lehmann says that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would be replaceable for Arsenal if he moves to Manchester United, while criticising the lack of direction at the Emirates.

Unai Emery’s first season in charge saw the Gunners finish fifth, just one point back from fourth-placed Tottenham, after they dropped points to Leicester and Brighton at the end of the season.

A chance for redemption was on offer in the Europa League final at the end of May, when victory would have provided Champions League qualification for 2019-20, but Arsenal suffered a dismal 4-1 loss to Chelsea.
Failure to appear in Europe’s elite club competition for the third consecutive year has left the north London side having to significantly reduce its spending.

The sale of Aubameyang to United could free up some funds and Lehmann believes Arsenal would be able to cope without their top scorer.

“If you finish fifth [in the league] you can sell players. If he was to go to United, a new player would come in who could do better,” the German told DAZN.

“Arsenal’s goal shouldn’t be to finish fifth or sixth.”

Ray Parlour disagrees with the former goalkeeper, though, claiming it would be “madness” if Arsenal were to sell the 30-year-old who netted 31 times in all competitions last term.

While it would emulate the move made by Robin van Persie in 2012, Aubameyang’s departure could enable Emery to add Wilfried Zaha to his squad after the Gunners had a £40 million ($50m) offer for the winger rejected by Crystal Palace.

But Lehmann thinks the problems at Arsenal are rooted far deeper than the playing staff.

“All of the guys playing for Arsenal are good but they need to win something,” he continued.



“They were in the Europa League final last season and lost. Obviously it would have been good if they had won it.

“Their finish in the league season was disappointing as well. Even though they had the chance to secure fourth place, or even third place, they didn’t.

“The club is in a situation right now where no one knows the direction that it is supposed to be going in.”

Source:goal.com