Mikel Arteta: Arsenal 'Have to Support' Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang After UEL Miss
Feb 29, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal looks dejected during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 second leg match between Arsenal FC and Olympiacos FC at Emirates Stadium on February 27, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Copa/Getty Images)
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has urged his side to give their backing to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after he missed a gilt-edged chance in the final seconds of their UEFA Europa League defeat to Olympiacos on Thursday.
The Gunners lost 2-1 on the night and crashed out of the competition on away goals.
"He was gutted. Obviously he scored a wonder goal that put us through in the competition and the last kick of the game he had the best chance of the game and he felt very responsible about it.
"We'll try to be right behind him. He's been phenomenal all season for us and now the players have to support him, we have to support him.
"His reaction as well after the game—to face the media and the way he talked and everything—it was a very mature reaction from him."
The game went to extra time with Olympiacos leading 1-0 (1-1 on aggregate), and Aubameyang thought he'd won the tie when he netted an incredible bicycle kick (U.S. only):
Youssef El-Arabi then struck in the 119th minute to give the Greek side the advantage to put his team on the brink of qualification. Aubameyang was then presented with the simplest of chances in injury time, but he fired wide from eight yards (U.S., UK only, respectively):
Since he became Arsenal's record signing in January 2018, Aubameyang has scored 61 goals in 96 appearances and contributed 13 assists.
He's found the net 20 times in 31 games this season—twice as many goals as Arsenal's next-highest scorer, Gabriel Martinelli.
Aubameyang isn't the only quality player at Arsenal, though.
Mesut Ozil has been on of the world's most creative playmakers during his career—he laid on 80 assists at Real Madrid prior to joining in 2013, and he has 76 in total for the Gunners—but he has set up just five goals since the start of last season.
Fellow striker Alexandre Lacazette hasn't been quite as prolific as Aubameyang in his career, but the Frenchman notched 113 goals and 25 assists in his final four seasons at Lyon. However, he has netted just eight goals this term.
There would be far less pressure on Aubameyang to perform if his team-mates were more productive. Until they can rediscover their best form—or the club can recruit other players of a similar calibre—they'll continue to struggle.
Mesut Ozil's Agent Says There's 'No Chance' He'll Leave Arsenal Before 2021
Feb 28, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal FC looks on during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 second leg match between Arsenal FC and Olympiacos FC at Emirates Stadium on February 27, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Mesut Ozil's agent, Dr. Erkut Sogut, has said there is "no chance" the midfielder will leave Arsenal before his contract expires in 2021.
Sogut told Sam Cunningham at iNews that the 31-year-old is not thinking about his future presently and plans to see out his deal at the Emirates Stadium:
"At the moment, we don't even talk about it, because he still has one-and-a-half-years left. He still has 15 months to go. Until then, he will stay at Arsenal, for sure. He will stay until the end of his contract. There's no chance he'll leave.
"He is going into the end of this contract, he will be 32 years old, he will be a free agent, and it's not a bad situation. And he will have probably a hundred million followers on the social media side at that time, his marketing will be bigger by that time. And he's 32 so he can still go and play in top-level football for the next two or three years."
Ozil is Arsenal's highest earner on wages of £350,000 per week before tax. The playmaker's future is often the subject of speculation. He was frozen out by previous manager Unai Emery but has found himself back in the starting XI since former Gunners team-mate Mikel Arteta took over in December.
Former Arsenal team-mate Mohamed Elneny, now at Turkish side Besiktas, has talked up a potential move for Ozil to Turkey, where his parents are from:
Mesut Ozil could return to Turkey, according to former Arsenal team-mate Mohamed Elneny 🇹🇷
🗣 “Mesut really loves Fenerbahce. He's always speaking about the club and the fans.
“I think he could come to Fenerbahce. He's always trying to annoy me by singing Fenerbahce chants.” pic.twitter.com/pqrS4U1DRI
The Super Lig club were linked with a January loan move for Ozil, and Major League Soccer team D.C. United are also keen on the former Germany international, according to Steven Goff at the Washington Post.
Yet Sogut also refused to rule out the possibility of Ozil extending his stay at the Emirates and signing a new contract, per Cunningham:
"I look at every option, I need to maximise and get the best contract for him. The options are coming in now. Maybe he will stay and have a new contract with Arsenal. Maybe he has a good end to the season and good next season and the club offers him a new contract. It's down to the club in the end, not to me or Mesut. If the club is not giving him an offer then he can't stay. If he gets an offer from the club he will consider it."
Ozil has made 22 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal this season but has only managed one goal and one assist.
He has drawn praise from Arteta, although the Spaniard has made it clear he needs to work on the defensive side of his game:
Arteta on Ozil: "I know how good he is, obviously I play with him and I know him. So I try to pinch him as much as possible to do what he needs to do because I know how much he can give on the offensive side."
The Germany native is often criticised for a perceived lack of effort, but he appears to have Arteta's trust and has spoken about how the club have improved under the 37-year-old:
"Tactically we improve a lot"
Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette reflect on Mikel Arteta's start to life as Gunners boss
Arteta is expected to overhaul his squad in the summer transfer window and will have to make a decision on Ozil. The Gunners may want to free up some space on the wage bill, particularly if they miss out on Champions League football.
Mikel Arteta: Arsenal UEL Exit 'Hurts Big Time,' EPL Top 4 Will Be 'Very Hard'
Feb 28, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 second leg match between Arsenal FC and Olympiacos FC at Emirates Stadium on February 27, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta said Arsenal's chances of qualifying for next season's UEFA Champions League are in serious doubt after the Gunners were knocked out of the UEFA Europa League by Olympiacos on Thursday.
Arsenal won the away leg of their last-32 tie 1-0, but they slipped to a 2-1 defeat after extra time at home in the second leg to go out on away goals.
"It hurts, big time. We had a lot of hope in this competition. It was a great way for us to be able to go to Europe, and it is a very beautiful competition to try to win.
"I think we did a lot of positive things in the game. I think we created enough chances to win the game, but if you concede two set pieces again in a tie like this, then you put yourself in big trouble."
The Spaniard poured cold water on the Gunners' chances of finishing in the Premier League's top four too.
Per Goal'sSacha Pisani, when asked about their prospect of doing so, he said it will be "very hard because looking at the table we're still far from the objectives that we all have, but we've been far all season from it and we have to keep fighting."
The coach said he wants to see a reaction from the dressing room in the remaining months of the season and added: "I just want to concentrate now on lifting those players and getting back the belief, and convince them that there is still a lot to play for, and move on."
Having secured an away goal in Greece, the Gunners should have been capable of progressing comfortably at the Emirates Stadium. But they were taken to extra time on Thursday after losing 1-0 in 90 minutes thanks to Pape Abou Cisse's header seven minutes into the second half (U.S. only):
However, with one minute of extra time remaining, Youssef El-Arabi poked home Giorgos Masouras' cross to fire Olympiacos through (U.S., UK only respectively):
Aubameyang had another chance to win the tie for Arsenal in the third minute of added time, but he fired wide from just eight yards.
Sports journalist Uche Amako criticised Arsenal's players for their performance:
Mikel Arteta will have learned a lot about his Arsenal players tonight. From start to finish they were rubbish. A performance similar to so many over the last decade. Lethargic, arrogant, lazy & disinterested. The mentality through the squad is weak #ARSOLY
It was only the second defeat Arsenal have suffered in 13 matches under Arteta since he took charge in December. Of the remaining 11 games, they have won six and drawn five.
According to Opta statistician Orbinho, in Arteta's first 12 matches in charge the team conceded fewer goals and shots per game than they did under Unai Emery this season.
However, Arsenal's expected goals against values reveal they have given opponents better chances to score under Arteta than Emery, and they have been fortunate not to have conceded more than they have either because of wasteful finishing from their opponents or saves from Bernd Leno.
Arteta inherited a team that had won just once in their previous 13 matches, and in the same number of games in charge he's picked up significantly more victories. It will take him time to transform the Gunners' fortunes via work on the training ground and in the transfer market.
This season, Arsenal are seven points behind fourth-place Chelsea in the Premier League with 11 matches remaining. Fifth might suffice to qualify for the Champions League, though, because of Manchester City's European ban, in which case the Gunners need to make up a gap of four points on Manchester United.
Olympiacos Stun Arsenal in Extra Time, Advance to Europa League Round of 16
Feb 27, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: Youssef El Arabi of Olympiacos FC celebrates after scoring his team's second goal in extra-time during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 second leg match between Arsenal FC and Olympiacos FC at Emirates Stadium on February 27, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
A last-gasp goal by Olympiacos shocked Arsenal 2-1on Thursday in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League last-32 stage, earning the Greek side a 2-2aggregate victory on away goals after extra time at the Emirates Stadium.
The home crowd were stunned when Pape Abou Cisse gave the Greek side a 53rd-minute lead from Mathieu Valbuena's corner.
Arsenal were short of ideas, and neither team could find the goal that would see them advance, triggering extra time.
Fatigue was evident in the closing stages, but a dramatic overhead kick by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the 113th minute triggered celebrations from home fans.
However, there was a final twist when Youssef El-Arabi netted for Olympiacos in the last minute of extra time, and Arsenal crashed out of Europe.
Mikel Arteta rotated his options for the Gunners, with Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette handed starts in north London.
The hosts controlled the early action as they pushed forward. However, Olympiacos worked their way into the match and pressured Arsenal's defence.
Mesut Ozil was influential as the Spaniard's men hunted for an opener, and the Gunners were frustrated six minutes before half-time when Lacazette's finish was ruled offside. Saka's cross had found the French striker in the box, but the impressive 18-year-old was a fraction offside before delivering the ball.
The tie was flipped on its head soon after half-time when Arsenal failed to defend Valbuena's corner. Cisse's run wasn't tracked, and the defender emphatically headed home.
Arsenal were clearly stunned by conceding, and the Athens team suddenly began testing Bernd Leno.
The Gunners had still failed to hit the target in the match deep into the second half, though they played with more intent in the last 20 minutes while chasing a goal to put the tie to bed, but the visitors remained resolute and busy in their defending.
Nicolas Pepe finally claimed Arsenal's first shot on target with 14 minutes remaining. However, Jose Sa saved the forward's effort.
The game went to extra time as both teams lacked a cutting edge to win in normal time, but a wonderful strike from Aubameyang appeared to have given Arsenal a route into the last 16.
However, the Gunners failed to defend in the final moments, and El-Arabi broke Arsenal hearts with a clinical finish off a cross from the right, providing the visitors an unlikely victory in the capital.
Aubameyang did have a chance to win the tie for Arsenal at the death, but the striker failed to hit the target when he should have netted.
What's Next
Olympiacos welcome struggling Panetolikos on Sunday in Super League Greece, while Arsenal travel to Portsmouth on Monday in the FA Cup fifth round. The Europa round of 16 begins on March 12.
Mikel Arteta: 'I Completely Trust' Arsenal on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Contract
Feb 27, 2020
Arsenal's Spanish head coach Mikel Arteta (R) speaks with Arsenal's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (L) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 1, 2020. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / IKIMAGES / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta has put his trust in Arsenal to handle Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's contract situation after the club's star striker entered the final 18 months of his deal at the Emirates Stadium.
Aubameyang—who replaced Granit Xhaka as club captain in November when Unai Emery was still manager—joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018 for £56 million, a club record at the time.
He took to Twitter on Wednesday and responded to a report by the Mirror's John Cross, who wrote the player is waiting to see if Arsenal qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League before he discusses new terms:
Gunners boss Arteta said prior to Thursday's UEFA Europa League clash at home to Olympiacos: "The club has a very [good] idea of how he wants to develop things. They are in constant communication with players’ agents and they know the plan better than I do. I completely trust them on that."
Aubameyang, 30, is set to become a free agent in June 2021 unless he signs an extension with the club, who will be desperate to keep the current joint-top scorer in the Premier League. His 17 goals this season put him level with Leicester City frontman Jamie Vardy.
Alexandre Lacazette is Arsenal's next-highest scorer in the Premier League this term with six goals. Aubameyang underlined his importance with two goals in Sunday's 3-2 comeback win at home to Everton:
That display included his third Premier League brace of the season and improved his tally to three goals in his last two top-flight outings.
Arteta told Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves after the Everton win that he questioned Aubameyang's work rate in the past but suggested he was now convinced:
The Spanish tactician has won back-to-back league games for the first time since he was appointed Emery's successor in December, with Arsenal up to ninth in the table having lost just one of their last 10 outings.
De Roche highlighted comments made in May 2019 by Arsenal head of football Raul Sanllehi, who said they want to avoid a repeat of the situation that saw Aaron Ramsey join Juventus for free last summer (starting at 17 minutes, 48 seconds):
Sanllehi suggested the club put itself in "a very weak position" by allowing the player to move into the final year of his contract unless the intention is to release that player.
The north Londoners are at risk of an identical situation should Aubameyang fail to sign a new deal before the start of next season, in which case a transfer this summer may be deemed the best option.
Arsenal host Olympiacos at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday after winning 1-0 away in the round-of-32 opening leg.
Alexandre Lacazette Denies He Could Leave Arsenal; Aubameyang Contract Discussed
Feb 26, 2020
Arsenal's French striker Alexandre Lacazette (L) celebrates with Arsenal's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (R) after scoring their fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 16, 2020. - Arsenal won the game 4-0. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)
Alexandre Lacazette has denied reports he could move on from Arsenal if the team do not qualify for the UEFA Champions League, while the club are reportedly attempting to extend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's stay.
According to The Times' Gary Jacob (h/t Metro), Lacazette has an "understanding" that he can leave Arsenal this summer if they don't secure qualification to Europe's premier competition this season.
However, when the report was put to him at a press conference on Wednesday, he said:
Lacazette on reports he has an agreement to leave #AFC if they don't make Champions League: "I don't know about this. I have a contract with the club, there is no point for me to leave, everyone is happy with me at the club." #AFC
Arsenal signed the Frenchman from Lyon in 2017 for a then-club-record £46.5 million. He is yet to play Champions League football with the Gunners, who have been plying their trade in the UEFA Europa League since he joined.
The 28-year-old contributed 36 goals and 18 assists over his first two seasons at the Emirates Stadium, but he has struggled for form in this campaign with only eight and three to his name, respectively.
He has over two years left on his contract and appears content to stay, though, so the club may as well give him until the end of next season to get back to his best before making a decision on his future.
Convincing Aubameyang to sign a new contract might require Champions League football, though.
According to Jacob, the club are reopening contract talks—which were shelved during the managerial changeover in November and December after Unai Emery was sacked and Mikel Arteta brought in—as Aubameyang's deal expires in 2021.
He arrived at the club in January 2018 with his £56 million transfer fee overtaking Lacazette's as the club's record at the time.
The 30-year-old has 60 goals and 13 assists to his name in 95 appearances for the club.
∙ Premier League joint top scorer (17)
∙ Most Premier League goals since the day he made his Arsenal debut (49)
∙ Six goals in seven league appearances under Mikel Arteta
He netted twice as Arsenal beat Everton 3-2 on Sunday:
After the match, Arteta expressed hope the Gabon striker will remain with the club, per Goal's Charles Watts:
Arteta on Auba being chased by other clubs: "They are completely right to want him because he's a superb player. He completely deserves to be liked by other teams but hopefully we can convince him that this is the right place for him. And he has a future for here."
The Gunners reached the Europa League final last season, which they lost to London rivals Chelsea, but to keep a player of Aubameyang's calibre they'll likely need to show they can offer silverware and Champions League football.
Arsenal remain in the FA Cup and the Europa League this season. Winning the latter would meet both of those needs at the same time.
Despite picking up just 37 points in 27 Premier League matches, they're still in with a chance of securing Champions League qualification via their league finish.
Fifth place could suffice this season because second-place Manchester City have been banned from European competition, and Arsenal are only four points behind the occupants of that position, Manchester United. However, City will have their appeal heard at the Court of Arbitration for Sport this summer.
Arsenal Say Sead Kolasinac Suffered 'Significant' Shoulder Injury vs. Everton
Feb 26, 2020
Arsenal's German-born Bosnian defender Sead Kolasinac (R) goes off with an injury during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 23, 2020. (Photo by Tolga AKMEN / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal have confirmed that Sead Kolasinac suffered a "significant" injury to his right shoulder in their 3-2 win over Everton on Sunday.
On their official website, the Gunners said he "will undergo further specialist assessments" this week to determine the extent of the problem.
Kolasinac started the match but had to be taken off after just 18 minutes.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international, who missed three games in December with an ankle injury, suffered the injury when he landed heavily after a coming together with Everton's Djibril Sidibe.
Simon Collings of theEvening Standardreported he could be out for over a month:
Rough timescale is Kolasinac will unlikely be seen before international break next month.
Double figures for assists for Saka this season. He has more assists in 2019/20 than Mo Salah, Bernardo Silva and David Silva, as well as every Tottenham, Chelsea and Man Utd player.
While Kolasinac's injury is not ideal for Arsenal, it will at least allow Saka to continue gaining invaluable first-team experience in his absence.
What's more, Kieran Tierney is also returning at the right time after he dislocated his shoulder in December.
Per the Gunners' website, he is targeting a return to full training by the end of February.
Arsene Wenger Thought Serge Gnabry 'Would Stay' at Arsenal in 2016
Feb 25, 2020
ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger talks with player Serge Gnabry as Aaron Ramsey warms up during a training session at London Colney on November 25, 2013 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Serge Gnabry's career trajectory has only trended upwards since he left Arsenal in 2016, but former Gunners boss Arsene Wenger believed Gnabry would sign a new contract in north London instead of returning to Germany.
Wenger discussed Gnabry as a pundit for BeIN Sports (h/t Metro's Sean Kearns) on a night when the 24-year-old scored twice for Bayern Munich during a 3-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
As well as revealing Gnabry told Arsenal he would stay put, Wenger implied the gifted forward didn't work as hard:
"He has no real limitations it's more how much does he want to suffer. Because he has pace, power, technical ability, he's very intelligent, sometimes he looks for the easy way in football. That's what was his problem. He lacked a bit. I gave him to West Brom, it didn't work out at all. In fairness I think we had an agreement with him but Bayern stole him away from Werder Bremen."
Wenger also hinted Bayern took an under-the-radar approach to securing Gnabry's transfer in 2017:
"We had prepared him for us to sign his new contract but then suddenly he wanted to go to Werder Bremen. But it was not Werder Bremen that bought him it was Munich that bought him. Because six months or less than one year later he moved from Bremen to Bayern but it was a done deal before. He was at the end of his contract and we thought that he would stay because he told he would stay."
The suggestion Bayern had put together a clandestine deal withWerder Bremen was dismissed at the time. Bremen sporting director Frank Baumann saidwhen the deal was announced: "There aren't any agreements with other clubs."
The winger did play just a single campaign in Bremen before moving to Bayern, scoring 11 goals in 27 Bundesliga matches. Yet while Wenger wanted to agree fresh terms with the player, Gnabry had hardly become a regular in the Arsenal starting XI on the Frenchman's watch.
Wenger brought Gnabry to the Gunners from Stuttgart as a 15-year-old in 2011. The teenager was left waiting until the 2012/13 campaign to appear in the Premier League, playing in a 1-0 defeat away to Norwich City.
Gnabry's next foray into league action came almost a year later when he started and scored to help Arsenal beat Swansea City 3-1. His promise was obvious, since Gnabry allied a powerful frame with natural acceleration and a calmness in front of goal belying his tender years.
A knee injury derailed his development before the ill-fated decision to send Gnabry on loan to West Bromwich Albion in 2015. Then-Baggies manager Tony Pulis doubted Gnabry's ability to thrive at the highest level, an opinion now the source of mockery with every goal the winger scores for Bayern:
Gnabry misses a decent chance for his hat-trick. Pulis was right. 🤪
Pulis' words already seemed poorly thought out when Gnabry finished as top scorer at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and helped Germany reach the final, where they lost to the hosts. Ultimately, Gnabry parlayed those goals into an Arsenal exit and the chance for more first-team football.
No matter how convoluted his path to the Allianz Arena was, Gnabry has been delivering on the potential Wenger saw since making the switch, scoring 17 times and providing nine assists this season. He took his goals against Chelsea brilliantly, producing two mature finishes after combining well with Robert Lewandowski:
In the process, Gnabry added to the four goals he scored against Arsenal's north London derby rivals in October. His masterclass in forward play helped visiting Bayern beat Tottenham Hotspur 7-2 in October.
The Germany international's prolific haul in the English capital underlines how many steps he's taken in his development since leaving the Gunners:
6 - Serge Gnabry has scored six goals in just two appearances in London for Bayern Munich, having scored none in nine appearances in London for Arsenal between 2012 and 2014. Capitalising. #CHEBAYpic.twitter.com/ZU0b2ljAUR
Naturally, a statistic like this only serves as a further indictment of Arsenal's inability to secure the future of such an exciting prospect when he was on the books. Recriminations along these lines are common every time Gnabry delivers the goods.
While it's always tempting to rue what might have been, there's no doubt Gnabry's post-Arsenal ascension has to irk Wenger and the club's supporters.
Signing unknown youngsters and turning them into marquee stars was the entire basis of Wenger's recruitment model when Arsenal left Highbury for the Emirates Stadium in 2006. It's how he tried to stay competitive while the club paid off a sizeable debt incurred during the move and dealt with the increased riches of their rivals, including Roman Abramovich-owned Chelsea.
The approach helped Arsenal remain a top-four and Champions League club for a decade, but Wenger only won three FA Cups during the same timeframe. Losing a star-in-the-making like Gnabry was an obvious misstep during a period when Wenger couldn't afford a mistake of this scale.
To add insult to injury, Gnabry isn't the only hidden gem Arsenal should regret overlooking. Donyell Malen was acquired from Ajax by Wenger in 2015, only to see him leave for PSV Eindhoven in search of more minutes two years later.
The forward, who scored 11 goals in 2018/19, was flourishing before a knee injury ruled him out for the season:
Donyell Malen has now scored 14 goals in 17 appearances for PSV in all competitions this season.
Wenger will look back on Gnabry and Malen as two genuine opportunities missed. Yet Arsenal can show lessons have been learned from each case by tying latest youth sensation, Bukayo Saka, down to a new deal.
The 18-year-old is out of contract in the summer of 2021, and Manchester United are reportedly already showing interest. Losing this burgeoning creative outlet to a rival would be a hammer blow to the credibility of the rebuilding project that Wenger's former skipper, Mikel Arteta, is now undertaking from the Arsenal dugout.
Bukayo Saka has now provided 10 assists across all competitions for Arsenal this season, more than any other player at the club.
Wenger made identifying and harnessing young talent the cornerstone of how Arsenal succeeded and regenerated, rather than relying on heavy spending on established stars. Clubs who operate in this way need more hits than misses, making Gnabry an oversight who will continue to haunt the Gunners.
Thierry Henry Says He'll 'Dream' of Managing Arsenal 'Until the Day I Die'
Feb 25, 2020
The coach of Canadian team Montreal Impact, Frenchman Thierry Henry, gives a press conference at the Ricardo Saprissa Stadium in San Jose, on February 18, 2020 on the eve of their Concacaf Campions League football match against Costa Rican Deportivo Saprissa. (Photo by Ezequiel BECERRA / AFP) (Photo by EZEQUIEL BECERRA/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has revealed that managing his former side would be a "dream" for him.
Henry took charge of Major League Soccer outfit Montreal Impact in November last year.
He told Canal Plus (h/t Goal's James Westwood): "I do dream of managing Arsenal, but I also dream of running up the court and doing a slam dunk. It doesn't mean it'll happen. But, yes, I'll want to manage Arsenal until the day I die."
The Frenchman was also asked about rumours he had been lined up to replace his mentor at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, when he left the club in 2018. Wenger was eventually replaced by Unai Emery.
Henry said "it was already difficult before Arsene left" and added that since moving into coaching he has learned:
"There are things that I heard, that you might hear something from someone you know or I know and we might know things.
"But we don't actually know anything, certainly not enough to speak about it, since then I have decided it is best not to get involved in these sorts of things."
In his playing days, Henry made 375 appearances for Arsenal between 1999 and 2007, as well as in a brief loan spell in 2012.
During that time, he racked up 228 goals and 90 assists, lifting two Premier League titles—the second as part of an unbeaten season—and two FA Cups.
He began coaching in 2016 when he joined Roberto Martinez's Belgium setup as a striker coach. He became Martinez's assistant after the Red Devils finished third at the 2018 FIFA World Cup before taking charge of his former club Monaco as their No. 1 in October 2018.
The 42-year-old did not enjoy a successful return to Monaco, though. He was sacked in January 2019 after just 20 matches.
His record over those 20 matches was uninspiring:
Thierry Henry at Monaco: 2️⃣0️⃣ Games 4️⃣ Wins 5️⃣ Draws 1️⃣1️⃣ Losses
Arsenal are managed by Mikel Arteta, who played alongside Henry when he returned to the Gunners on loan in 2012.
The Spaniard had never managed previously before he was given the job in December. His only coaching experience came as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City following his retirement in 2016.
Arteta has only guided them to three wins in their nine Premier League matches under him, but he's picked up six wins in 12 matches overall. They've also recorded three consecutive victories in all competitions for the first time since September.
Henry's brief coaching career hasn't shown much to suggest he'd do well at Arsenal, despite his connection with the club, and given he's now in MLS he'd need to do an exceptional job to alter that perception.
However, he's still only 42—he has plenty of time to prove himself as a manager yet.
Granit Xhaka Feared He'd Played His Last Game for Arsenal After Fan Fallout
Feb 24, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal at full time of the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has said he feared he had played his last game for the Gunners after clashing with supporters and losing the club captaincy earlier this season.
The Switzerland international was asked by Simon Collings of the Evening Standard if he thought his Arsenal career was over after he reacted angrily when booed off the pitch against Crystal Palace in October:
"Of course, I don't lie. There was a moment, because it was not easy for me and my family. I hope people understand this.
"But I think I showed my character. I am not a guy who runs away. I always say to the club, 'When I [am] here, I am ready to give everything.' It was like this always. I train very hard and that things turned around is the key. This [has given me] the most happiness."
Xhaka was stripped of the club captaincy by then-manager Unai Emery after clashing with his own supporters at the Emirates Stadium:
Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka:
—Cheered when subbed off —Booed because he was walking —Cupped his ear to the crowd —Took his shirt off and walked down the tunnel
Striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was handed the captain's armband, while Xhaka took to social media to explain his actions after also receiving online abuse:
The midfielder looked set for a move away from the club in the January transfer window. His agent, Jose Noguera, said Xhaka had agreed terms with Hertha Berlin and wanted to move to Germany, per Sky Sports News.
Yet Arsenal replaced Emery with Mikel Arteta and the new manager made it clear he wanted Xhaka to stay at the club, per PA Media (h/t the Guardian).
A move away did not materialise and Xhaka has gone on to become a regular under the Spaniard. He appears to have the full trust of the new manager and also seems to have won supporters around with a series of committed displays in midfield.
Xhaka now appears set to stay with Arsenal and said he thinks the club have a "big future" under their new manager, per Collings. Arteta has made an encouraging start to life in north London with the team yet to taste defeat in 2020.
