Ex-Arsenal star names Aubameyang’s replacement that’ll make Gunners Premier League title contenders.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was relieved of his duty as Gunners captain and Arsenal legend reckons he isn’t the man to take the club forward because he is "finished".

Aubameyang continues to receive criticism from pundits and ex-Arsenal players

Arsenal FC have been urged to “break the bank” and secure the services of Fiorentina hitman Dusan Vlahovic.

Those were the words of former Gunners midfielder Paul Merson, who believes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is “finished”.

Merson is convinced Gabon international Aubameyang’s days at the Emirates Stadium are numbered after Mikel Arteta relieved the striker of his duty as captain.

According to the Mirror, Vlahovic (21) has reportedly been subject to a £45million player-plus-cash bid from Arsenal, with technical director Edu keen to capitalise on their superb recent form and sole their long-term striker issue.

However, Merson says Vlahovic, who has registered 16 goals in 19 Serie A games for Fiorentina so far this season, will have a major impact on the Gunners.

"Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is finished at Arsenal. He won't be coming back from the Africa Cup of Nations," the ex-England forward wrote in his Daily Star column.

"They should be breaking the bank to get Dusan Vlahovic in from Fiorentina in the summer - because he would make them title contenders.

"I've heard he's not interested in Arsenal right now and I can understand that. But he might change his mind if they finish in the top four and offer him a lorryload of money.

"Arsenal would be able to play him every week because Aubameyang will be gone. Alexandre Lacazette will probably be gone. And so will Eddie Nketiah [both out of contract in June].

"They will need a goalscorer and Vlahovic scores goals. He's also still young so he should get better and you're not wasting money paying a 29-year-old on the way down.

Vlahovic has been in fine form for Fiorentina, scoring 16 goals in 19 Serie A games so far this season. (Getty)

"I think there are good things happening at Arsenal. Mikel Arteta has got them playing well. But they need a proven striker next season.

"He's signed a keeper, defenders, full-backs, midfielders and a No 10, promoted kids on the wings - a proper center-forward could be the missing piece.

"I'm not saying they'll win the league if they get Vlahovic. But they'll have a chance to make it a four-horse race at least."

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