5 Realistic replacements for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Arsenal   

#1. Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli is already an integral part of Mikel Arteta's squad at the tender age of 18

It might seem anti-climactic to see Gabriel Martinelli complete this list but only few would argue against the fact that the Brazilian starlet is perfectly poised to take the mantle from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang next season. The Gabonese’s potential departure could see Martinelli being handed a starting role by Mikel Arteta having scored 10 goals in all competitions this season despite restricted game time.

At just 18 years of age, Martinelli has put his mark on one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs and is now ready to take the next big step. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hailed the teenager as the ‘talent of the century’ after the teams clashed in a Carabao Cup thriller in October. Martinelli scored a brace in that game and has since then netted important goals against West Ham and Chelsea on his route to becoming a fan favourite.

It would definitely not be a straightforward task for Martinelli to simply replace Aubameyang next season but the striker has shown that he has all the confidence and ability to be able to do that. Martinelli is an extremely athletic, quick and dynamic forward who can slot in centrally, complement another striker or take up any position on the wings.

He plays with great vigour and energy, bombing forward and taking defenders on. He has all the Brazilian tricks and flicks in his collection which makes him really exciting to watch. Martinelli’s off-the-ball running and work ethic also make him an asset defensively.

The fact that Martinelli has been thrust into the Arsenal limelight only months after his arrival from his home-land club of Ituano speaks volumes about him as a player. And Aubameyang’s departure could mean that he will have to fill some big shoes going forward.