Unai Emery should look to offload ‘frustrated’ Arsenal forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan before the European transfer window closes, according to Nigel Winterburn. The Armenian international Mkhitaryan, has endured a mixed spell at the Emirates since being involved in a swap deal with Alexis Sanchez from Manchester United last year.
The 30-year-old has struggled to perform consistently for the Gunners although was offered a start by Emery last weekend as Arsenal beat Newcastle United. Despite this, Winterburn believes Mkhitaryan will drop out of first-team contention once key players return and says his former club should sanction his departure this month.
Unai Emery should look to offload ‘frustrated’ Arsenal forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan before the European transfer window closes, according to Nigel Winterburn. Armenia international Mkhitaryan has endured a mixed spell at the Emirates since being involved in a swap deal with Alexis Sanchez from Manchester United last year.
The 30-year-old has struggled to perform consistently for the Gunners although was offered a start by Emery last weekend as Arsenal beat Newcastle United. Despite this, Winterburn believes Mkhitaryan will drop out of first-team contention once key players return and says his former club should sanction his departure this month.
“No doubt, Mkhitaryan is a talented player but he’s going to struggle to hold down a regular position when everybody’s fit.” Winterburn also claimed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would be Arsenal’s ‘most important’ player during the 2019-20 campaign.
The Gabon striker opened his account for the season with the winner at St James’ Park last Sunday. “Without a shadow of a doubt, Aubameyang will be Arsenal’s most important player this season,” Winterburn added.
“You saw from the Newcastle game, he had very few opportunities to score but the one real opportunity that he got, his composure and finishing was perfect. If he stays fit, he’s going to have a huge season again for Arsenal, and will certainly be challenging for the Golden Boot again.”
“It gives the team a huge lift when you know you’ve got a goal-scorer in your team. He is similar to Ian Wright in that sense. As a team, we knew that if you can keep a clean sheet, then Wrighty will usually pop up with a goal. Aubameyang is looking like that at the moment for this current side, which is great for the club.”