When the local Man City fans saw the news that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be joining their club they nearly fell of their bar stools here in the Transfer Tavern.
The club are entering a new era with Pep Guardiola as they look to impose themselves on the European stage at long last and signing the Gabonese would certainly be a statement of intent.
The Citizens know with the likes of Manchester United having Jose Mourinho, Chelsea set to bounce back, Arsenal once again ready to challenge and Spurs, Liverpool and of course Leicester all primed to challenge too, that getting the best players in the game to join is a huge must.
Guardiola will aim to bring his trademark way he plays the game to the Etihad and with the possibility of the forward joining Sergio Aguero up top, fans are eager for kick off in August.
But what might the Gabon forward bring to the club? And what could be the possible drawbacks of any such deal? Our landlord brings you two pros and cons of the Dortmund man coming to Manchester.
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE 2 PROS AND 2 CONS TO CITY COMPLETING THIS MAMMOTH DEAL!
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Pro 1: Goals, and lots of them
The Dortmund striker has been in absolutely incredible form this season. 49 appearances in all competitions have yielded 39 goals working out as a goal every 101 minutes. If he could bring this form to City, who themselves are one of the highest scoring teams around when they’re right at it, things could get embarrassing for a lot of the sides they face next year.
Con 1: Have to play out of position?
The Gabon international can play out on the wing – but would he want to?
He may have to to accommodate Aguero through the middle because Guardiola is not going to play 4-4-2 at the club.
If Aubameyang doesn’t mind then it may not be much of a problem but after being the main man for Dortmund going forward this year surely he won’t want to have to make room for the Argentine forward.
Pro 2: Pace
This guy is quick. There aren’t many players in the game that will be able to keep up with Aubameyang when he reaches full tilt and that’s going to cause all manner of problems for City’s opposition.
The former Saint. Etienne man wouldn’t look out of place at the Olympics this Summer and if he can get behind Premier League defences next year it’s going to be down to the ‘keeper to stop him scoring because no-one will get near him.
Con 2: Right playing style?
His pace means he’s suited to Dortmund’s playing style down to the ground. The German giants like to break forward quickly and attack ruthlessly with Aubameyang at the head of it.
But at City Guardiola will want his side to control the game and not break as much, could that hamper the way he likes to play?
There’d certainly be an adjustment period and if he can’t get to grips with it he could find himself in trouble.
