Arsenal

Arsene Wenger: 'Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang deal was complicated'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 02 February 2018

Arsene Wenger admits that it was "difficult" getting a deal over the line for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who he hints could start alongside Alexandre Lacazette.

Arsene Wenger has confessed that it was "difficult" bringing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Arsenal on transfer deadline day due to the complicated nature of the triple transfer.

Aubameyang was only given the green light to join the Gunners in a £55.5m move on the final day of the winter window once it became clear that Michy Batshuayi was available on loan.

Dortmund landed the Chelsea striker until the end of the season, with Chelsea bringing in Olivier Giroud from Arsenal on a permanent deal to complete the merry-go-round.

Wenger admits that it was not easy getting a club-record transfer over the line, but the Frenchman is confident that he can shoehorn his new striker into a side already packed with attacking talent.

"It was difficult because of course Dortmund needed a replacement," he told reporters at his weekly press conference. "First we had to agree a transfer deal with them and after that as well wait for them to find someone who can replace him.

"That was quite a tricky deal, Giroud went to Chelsea and Batshuayi went to Dortmund. That is why it was short in time and tense until the end."

Asked about fielding Aubameyang, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette in the same side, Wenger added: "It's always possible. Will I do it? Maybe, I don't know. But it is possible, yes.

"We can play two up front as well. One up or two up. You need at least two top strikers to play in the Premier League because if one gets injured you have a problem."

Aubameyang is doubtful for Saturday evening's home match against Everton due to an illness bug in the Arsenal camp.