Arsenal: 17 players on loan or with 2023 contract expiry

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 23, 2021. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Alastair Grant / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Arsenal’s Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (C) controls the ball during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park. (Photo by FRANK AUGSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Bonjour, capitaine.

Is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang losing it? Based off of his performances this season, then he may well be.

There are so many other factors to consider before making a conclusion. This campaign has been a horrible one on and off the pitch and Aubameyang has felt that just like the rest. When moved into centre-forward there was a great spell in front of goal with his underlying metrics meeting their usual standards before a drop off as the season wore on.

So much of that was down to having the wrong personnel behind him, as well as contracting malaria. The effects of that clearly haven’t worn off but Arteta’s decision to keep fielding him at the No. 9 is welcome as it shows he has absolute faith in him.

Far more is needed from the 31-year-old who is the biggest earner at the club, and he has to be less nice on the pitch, but with 38 games for him to focus on and with improvements around him he shouldn’t be doubted quite so soon.

(He’s not going to leave, either)

Verdict: Keep

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