Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has publicly expressed his disappointment and frustration with manager Mikel Arteta’s decision to let go of star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Aubameyang’s exceptional form since leaving Arsenal, scoring 42 goals in 59 games, has left Kroenke and the club’s management regretting their decision to release him. Kroenke praised Aubameyang’s impressive goal-scoring record, stating that it’s clear the club made a mistake by letting him go.
Kroenke’s dissatisfaction was further compounded by comparing Aubameyang’s performance to that of current Arsenal star Bukayo Saka. While Saka has been a standout player for the Gunners, Aubameyang’s post-Arsenal success has eclipsed even Saka’s contributions. Kroenke acknowledged the pride the club has in Saka but expressed frustration that Aubameyang is outscoring him.
Aubameyang’s departure from Arsenal was a contentious issue at the time, with questions about his future due to a dip in form. The club decided to release him to rejuvenate the squad and reduce the wage bill, but since leaving, Aubameyang has rediscovered his scoring touch and become one of Europe’s most feared forwards.
Mikel Arteta has faced criticism for his handling of the situation, with critics arguing that he failed to get the best out of Aubameyang and didn’t manage the player’s exit effectively. Kroenke’s recent comments have echoed this criticism, highlighting internal frustrations within the club. Kroenke stated that the club trusted the process and believed in the decisions made at the time but now realizes they miscalculated and should have found a way to keep Aubameyang.
The situation has raised questions about Arsenal’s transfer policy and ability to manage key players. Fans have expressed disappointment over the loss of a player who has achieved success elsewhere. As Arsenal navigates the challenges of the Premier League, the regret over Aubameyang’s departure serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of careful decision-making and considering the long-term impact.
In the wake of this revelation, Arsenal’s management will face scrutiny, and fans and analysts will watch to see how the club moves forward from this costly mistake. The club must learn from this error and improve their transfer policy and player management to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
