“He has scored 42 goals in just 59 games since leaving Arsenal. We regret selling him out carelessly because he’s now better than even our Bukayo Saka”- Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke expresses his frustration at Mikel Arteta for selling unreal “goal machine” who left Arsenal for £0M and is now outscoring Bukayo Saka.
In a candid press conference, Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke expressed his frustration with manager Mikel Arteta over the decision to part ways with prolific striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Aubameyang, who left Arsenal for a transfer fee of £0M, has since demonstrated exceptional form, scoring 42 goals in just 59 games. This remarkable performance has left Kroenke and the Arsenal management regretting their decision to let him go.
“Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has proven to be an incredible goal machine since his departure,” Kroenke remarked. “His record speaks for itself – 42 goals in 59 games is an outstanding achievement. We deeply regret selling him out carelessly.”
Kroenke’s dissatisfaction was further compounded by the comparison with current Arsenal star Bukayo Saka. While Saka has been a standout performer for the Gunners, Aubameyang’s post-Arsenal success has eclipsed even Saka’s contributions.
“Of course, we have immense pride in Bukayo Saka, who has been a fantastic player for us,” Kroenke continued. “However, it’s frustrating to see Aubameyang outscoring him. It’s clear that letting him go was a mistake.”
Aubameyang’s departure from Arsenal was a contentious issue at the time. Despite his previous contributions to the club, including winning the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2018-2019 season, his form had dipped, leading to questions about his future with the Gunners. In a move aimed at rejuvenating the squad and reducing the wage bill, Arsenal decided to release Aubameyang, who subsequently joined a new club on a free transfer.
Since leaving, Aubameyang has found a new lease on life, rediscovering his scoring touch and becoming one of the most feared forwards in Europe. His goal-scoring exploits have been instrumental in his new team’s success, making Arsenal’s decision to let him go look increasingly ill-advised.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, has faced criticism for his handling of the situation. Critics argue that Arteta failed to get the best out of Aubameyang and did not manage the player’s exit effectively. This criticism has been echoed by Kroenke’s recent comments, highlighting the internal frustrations within the club.
“We trusted the process and believed in the decisions made at the time,” Kroenke stated. “However, looking at Aubameyang’s incredible form now, it’s clear that we miscalculated. We should have found a way to keep him and harness his talents.”
The situation with Aubameyang has raised broader questions about Arsenal’s transfer policy and their ability to manage key players. The club’s supporters have also voiced their concerns, with many expressing their disappointment over the loss of a player who has gone on to achieve such success elsewhere.
As Arsenal continues to navigate the challenges of the Premier League, the regret over Aubameyang’s departure serves as a cautionary tale. It underscores the importance of careful decision-making and the potential consequences of letting top talent leave without fully considering the long-term impact.
In the wake of this revelation, Arsenal’s management will undoubtedly be scrutinized more closely, as fans and analysts alike watch to see how the club moves forward from this costly mistake.