Arsenal’s winter break to-do list: Solving Aubameyang’s future just one issue for Gunners to resolve
Due to their early exit from the FA Cup, Arsenal have a longer winter break than most Premier League clubs and are not back in action until they play Wolves on February 10.
Here are three issues for Mikel Arteta to resolve over the next three weeks…
Get everyone back fit and firing
Arsenal were hit hard by fitness issues during January, with the Africa Cup of Nations and suspensions adding to their problems.
The squad looked desperately short on options in their final draw with Burnley and there were four possible Premier League debutants on the bench. The break now allows Arteta the chance to get players back fit and reintegrate those returning from AFCON.
The likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have had to get through a high workload in recent weeks and a chance to recharge feels necessary right now.
Solve Aubameyang’s future
At the start of the season it had been hoped Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could fire Arsenal to glory, but now his future is very uncertain.
The forward has not played for the Gunners since December and he looks set for the exit door. Time is running out, though, and if the 32-year-old stays then Arteta must find a way to resolve his differences with the club’s former captain.
Arsenal are also desperately short on attacking options and it might be the case Aubameyang has to stay if they can’t find a suitable replacement.
It feels like a defining winter break for all involved.
Refocus the squad on a top-four charge
Much of January was dominated by Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final, both for reasons on and off the pitch.
Their two-legged clash with Liverpool was viewed as a chance for this young Arsenal side to reach Wembley and win some silverware. That would have been valuable at this stage in their careers, but now it is gone the Gunners must shift their focus.
The race for the top four is very open and anyone can steal a march on their rivals. Qualifying for the Champions League seemed out of reach for Arsenal in August, however it is a possibility now and Arteta must get everyone singing from the same hymn sheet.
European football is all Arsenal have left to play for.
