Report: Arsenal without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for Brentford opener

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Arsenal are set to kick off the Premier League season against Brentford this evening but will be doing so without their star striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

That’s according to Goal, who claim Aubameyang will not be with the Gunners squad this evening for the season curtain raiser.

It means Mikel Arteta will have to pick someone else to lead the line, with Alex Lacazette the most likely to come into the fold as a number nine.

It also opens up a slot in the wide areas as well, and Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Nicolas Pepe could now all start.

Aubameyang’s form last season left a lot to be desired. He scored just ten Premier League goals, despite signing a mega-money new deal in the summer of 2020.

His future is also said to be up in the air. Reports today suggest the club could even sell Aubameyang. However, his absence tonight is not thought to be linked to any potential move.

Chance for others as Aubameyang misses Brentford

This won’t bother too many Arsenal fans, you wouldn’t think. A lot have ran out of patience with Aubameyang anyway.

On the flip side, it does mean missing your most reliable goalscorer against a team just promoted. The Gabon star would have fancied his chances of getting off the mark, so on that front, it is a shame.

But, it’s now a chance for someone else to stake their claim. Mikel Arteta will be looking to see who steps up.