‘Christmas has come early for Arsenal’ after ‘perfect’ Aubameyang exit news – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted Arsenal need to get Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang “out the club” as Al Hilal reportedly prepare a loan bid.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted “Christmas has come early” for the Gunners – if Aubameyang is open to the move.
As reported by the Daily Mail on Thursday evening (20 January), Al Hilal have proposed a loan move for Aubameyang, with a view to a permanent move this summer.
The Saudi heavyweights are reportedly prepared to pay the striker’s £350,000-a-week contract during the temporary move.
Arsenal are said to be likely to accept a formal bid but the decision ultimately rests with the player.
Whelan admitted the move would be “perfect” for the Gunners but questioned if Aubameyang would want to leave European football.
“Christmas has come early for Arsenal,” Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“That doesn’t happen very often, especially for a player that is on that amount of wages. He’s just signed a new contract as well.
“You’d be rubbing your hands together and saying: ‘When can you sign him?’
“Now it’s all about the player and whether he wants to go and play across there. For Arsenal, perfect. It might not be perfect for Aubameyang because he might want to play in Europe in Milan or Juventus.
“Certain clubs will probably be more appealing because you want to play in the best competitions.
“When you look at it from Arsenal’s point of view, that’s something that you cannot turn your nose up at.
“Just get him out the club.”
Aubameyang has fallen out of favour at Arsenal after several disciplinary breaches.
He has not played since the 2-1 defeat to Everton in early December.
In other news, pundit tells Arsenal to “beat Spurs” to “brilliant” signing after Sky update.