Arsenal: Aubamayeng needs more than Emi Buendia, but he’ll help

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was individually the most disappointing player for Arsenal last season. Willian doesn’t factor in to the equation. Barring the obvious, no player came under as severe and regular criticism than the captain, with varying volumes of warranty.

Off the back of scoring two trophy-winning goals in the FA Cup final, the club saw fit to make the Gabon international the highest paid player at the club on £350k-per-week for another three seasons. Mapping those three years out, the one with the most substantial expected goal return was the one just passed. He would net 15 in 39 appearances.

The season as whole was a millions miles away from what was aspired, just as it wasn’t anywhere close to numbers hoped for from Aubameyang.

He has struggled. Of this there is no debate. Hitting 12 fewer Premier League goals, accumulating an Arsenal-low shot per minute ratio and racking up 4.6 fewer xG than the previous campaign, the drop off was considerable.

Aubamayeng needs more than Emi Buendia signing in summer transfer window to rediscover his goal-scoring touch at Arsenal, but it will help

Aubameyang outperformed his xG last season by a whopping 7.2, taking tougher shots and converting with greater frequency. This time around, criticisms never previously directed his way have centred around a perceived lack of interest, work rate and regular anonymity. Most well backed.

There are, however, numerous factors that grant him mitigation. The lack of a recognised No. 10 for half of the season, a turgid and uninspired early brand of football conjured up few meaningful chances, a midfield without creative contribution, the family issues he’s had to deal with, contracting malaria and the toxicity and uncertainty around the club as whole have all played their unfortunate part.

Mikel Arteta understands how essential it is to boost his chance creation. While he hasn’t helped himself across the previous campaign, the introduction of Emile Smith Rowe and the loan addition of Martin Odegaard signaled a shift towards a more diverse and forward thinking style of play.

Odegaard has since departed and moves are being made to reinforce the gap he leaves behind. Emi Buendia is the name on everyone’s lips and Arsenal’s desire to push a deal over the line does, for now, look like coming to fruition. £30m has been rejected but it’s widely expected to be added to further until a deal can hopefully be struck.

Will Buendia help Aubamayeng rediscover his goal scoring touch? It’s hard to argue otherwise, yet he needs more than the Argentine to rediscover his form.

Continued…