Kevin Phillips has issued a warning to Newcastle United against spending a large quantity of money on the acquisition of former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January.
Kevin Phillips, a former Sunderland striker, has told Newcastle United to think twice before splashing the cash to acquire Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the January transfer window. Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips said: “It’s a big-money move.”
With Aubameyang having fallen out of favour with the Arsenal hierarchy, manager Mikel Arteta has deprived him of his captaincy responsibilities owing to a violation of club discipline. He has been dropped from the matchday squad by the Arsenal manager for a few matches now, prompting questions over his long-term future at the Emirates Stadium.
When it comes to acquisitions, Newcastle United has surfaced as a potential bidder for Gabonese international Pape Souare. The Magpies are looking to make one or two significant additions to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Aubameyang’s age should be a source for worry, according to Phillips, and his recent dip in form and attitude issues should also be taken into consideration by the Tynesiders before they decide to make a bid for the Gabonese international forward.
What Kevin Phillips said about Aubameyang:
“I would not go there. If you consider his age as well, you can see that he is likely to demand a significant sum of money. If I were a fan of Newcastle, I would be concerned. A top player, at the end of the day, is what he is. Will, he truly arrive with that mindset to put in the effort and fight to assist Newcastle to remain in the Premier League?” Phillips wondered.
“I would be very cautious in this situation. You have no idea which Aubameyang is going to show out on the field. Do not hesitate to make a move if you are certain you will receive the Aubameyang we’ve seen in the past. I simply believe that at this point in his career, I would be really careful,” Phillips stated.
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Following the signing of a lucrative deal with Arsenal, Aubameyang had a disappointing season in 2020/21. Before his expulsion from the Arsenal side this season, the 32-year-old was also not a tree-hugger, having scored just four goals in 14 Premier League appearances.
Newcastle United wants a new striker in their ranks if they are to have any chance of surviving this season, with Callum Wilson’s fitness a big problem. Aubameyang, on the other hand, may not be the most secure choice for them to contemplate at the present.
Aubameyang, Arsenal’s greatest earner, has 18 months remaining on his contract, which earns £350,000-per-week. Even though Juventus expressed an interest in him, he will not be joining them owing to his responsibilities with Gabon at the AFCON and their want to maintain Alvaro Morata, according to Sky Italy.
Arsenal has money to spend on a new centre-forward this month, thanks to the expiration of the contracts of Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah after the current season. However, they will want to make some money from the sale of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang too.
