Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has listed a number of reasons why Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should avoid a transfer to Manchester United this summer.
Aubameyang has an uncertain future at Arsenal due to the nature of his contract situation at the club. The 30-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of next season and little progress appears to have been made in renegotiating fresh terms.
If reports in the Sun are to be believed, United are one of a number of clubs targeting the 30-year-old who has emerged as one of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s top targets this summer.
Their report claims United are hoping to capitalise on Aubameyang’s contract situation at the Emirates by making a £50m move.
But Nicholas does not believe a move to Old Trafford is wise for the Gabonese star’s future and does not see the benefit in joining Solskjaer’s side.
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“If Aubameyang wants to leave, you ideally want him out of the Premier League,” the former Arsenal striker told Sky Sports.
“However, he is of a mind and age that I can see the dangers and understand comparisons with Van Persie. However, I think he will be thinking about what happened to Alexis Sanchez rather than Van Persie.
“Would he want to be a part of a superstar reload at Manchester United? Is there a great appeal to that? If it was Liverpool or Man City I would get it, but Manchester United are miles away from the top two. I do not see the appeal of moving to Old Trafford.
“Would he win the title with United in the next few years? I don’t think so. He might not even be in the Champions League if he was to join so what is the real appeal? Is it salary? I don’t think he is that type.
“Van Persie jumped to a massive salary, but Manchester United are not the same calibre as what they were then. Would he be the cutting edge for them? Maybe. But, like Arsenal, I think they have other issues to address.”
Despite Nicholas’ comments, we see Old Trafford as a potentially exciting prospect for Aubameyang given the progress that has been made under Solskjaer. United are also well placed to be in the Champions League next season if the remaining games of this term are played. Aubameyang has one last big transfer in him and we wouldn’t entirely rule out seeing him in a red shirt.
Aubameyang’s pace, versatility, goalscoring ability and experience make him an attractive option for Solskjaer if he does indeed decide he wants to leave the Emirates. But we expect the United manager to prioritise younger talents such as Jadon Sancho this summer to focus his long-term rebuild around.
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