Arsenal

Michael Owen: 'Martinelli, Nketiah can replace Aubameyang at Arsenal'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter
Published: 15 March 2020 4:22 PM

Premier League legend Michael Owen feels that Arsenal can replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah.

Michael Owen has suggested that Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah are ready-made replacements for Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

With the Gabon international having less than 16 months left on his contract, the Gunners may opt to part ways with their star man during the next transfer window.

Although the North London outfit have inevitably been linked with potential alternatives, former Liverpool and Newcastle United frontman Owen feels that Martinelli and Nketiah are capable of taking over the reins from the 30-year-old.

Speaking to Premier League Productions, Owen said: "I think Arsenal have got a nice little thing going under Mikel Arteta. They've got a nice blend as well. They're bringing a few young players through, Nketiah, Martinelli scoring goals as well.

"You never know, one of those two lads up front could turn into proper players and be like [Aubameyang], scoring 20-plus goals a season and they're worth their weight in gold. If you can unearth one of those from your academy, it's a massive bonus."

Eighteen-year-old Martinelli has scored 10 times from 26 appearances this season, while Nketiah has three goals from seven outings since returning from a loan spell at Leeds United.