Arsenal are on the risk of losing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the summer and some reports claim that the Gunners are looking at Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard as a possible replacement.
The Frenchman has been in fine form for Celtic during the 2019-20 season scoring 21 goals in just 27 Premiership games and there are a number of top European clubs who have shown interest in signing him during the summer.
But according to Charlie Nicholas, Odsonne Edouard might not be the ideal replacement to Aubameyang due to the difference in their style of play.
The pundit told Sky Sports: “There’s been a lot of talk of Aubameyang being sold, but Edouard would not be the answer. He plays differently, more like Lacazette.
“Aubameyang is about pace and movement. Although he likes to play the No 9 role, he does not play it as what Edouard could. Similarly, Edouard could not play in the position that Aubameyang does, out wide on the left.
“He wants to be the key figurehead of the team as the link man through the middle. For that reason, I do not see Arsenal targeting him as a replacement for Aubameyang.
“Arsenal are in a horrible position when it comes to sorting out Aubameyang’s contract offer. Barcelona and Real Madrid have been mentioned and they have the funds to buy him.
“Edouard is too similar to Lacazette, and if he was to move, it paints a different picture. Edouard would then fit into the Arsenal team as the No 9.
“You would still need to give him time as he’s not been playing every week against Premier League quality.”
Can Odsonne Edouard replace Aubameyang?
Odsonne Edouard has been a key performer for Celtic FC over the past two seasons but some pundits have doubts in his appetite especially in a big league.
But the 22-year-old has mostly played in a centre-forward’s role for Celtic while Aubameyang is more suited on the flanks. So in such a scenario, we will have to wait and see is Mikel Arteta actually wants to sign an out and out striker to replace a winger.
Also this season, Aubameyang is Arsenal’s top scorer in the Premier League and Arsenal will have to ensure that Odsonne Edouard lives up to that exact hype so that they can get back into the Champions League as soon as possible.
