Arsenal are no strangers to swap deal in the last few years. In 2018 Arsenal and Manchester United agreed a swap deal for Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. They could now be set to be involved in another.
According to Italian outlet CalcioMercato Inter Milan have made Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang one of their top targets this summer.
The report states that Inter Milan will use Argentinian striker Mauro Icardi as the player in the swap to get the deal done. Is this a move that could benefit both clubs?
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been lethal in front of goal since his January move from Borussia Dortmund in 2018. The Gabon international has scored 49 goals in 75 appearances in all competitions.
The main worry for the Gunners is Aubameyang will only have 12 months left on his contract this summer. So far, there has been no intention from Aubameyang to extend his current deal.
Arsenal fans will be hoping they can avoid such a big name leaving the club. Especially as they find themselves in a transition period under Mikel Arteta. Losing such a big name could push them further back in their efforts to reclaim a top four place.
Sadly, with no contract extension in place Arsenal may have no option but to listen to offers.
The swap deal with Inter Milan appears to make the most sense for the Gunners. They currently find themselves in a situation of either selling Aubameyang for a cut price or losing him for free in January.
The next problem will be replacing him, as clubs will know Arsenal will be desperate to buy and will then increase the value of their own players. Accepting the swap deal would guarantee Arsenal a ready-made replacement.
The question will be is Icardi the right man to replace Aubameyang? Mauro Icardi has consistently scored goal for Inter Milan scoring 124 goals in 219 games (all competitions). Then whilst on loan at PSG this season managing 20 in 31 games (all competitions)
At still only 27 and in the prime of his career, this is could the move that suits both parties.
