Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks “a shadow of the player he was at Dortmund” following a £55 million move to Arsenal, says Alan Smith.
The Gabon international striker became the Gunners’ record signing during the January transfer window , with a deadline day move made from Germany.
He arrived at Emirates Stadium amid much fanfare, with a prolific strike rate suggesting that he could be the man to rejuvenate Arsene Wenger’s faltering side.
Aubameyang has, however, become another victim of the malaise in north London and despite netting two times in five appearances, is struggling to show his true colours.
Former Gunners striker Smith told Sky Sports on a big-money addition following a disjointed display in a 2-1 defeat at Brighton: “He looked a shadow of the player he was at Dortmund.
“Even he, in the short time he’s been at Arsenal, has been affected by the mood.
“He got his goal with a little flick, but he’s not the player I hoped he would be.
“I’m not saying he’s a bad player, but it’s a malaise through the dressing room and he’s been affected.”
Aubameyang was not the only player to complete a high-profile switch to Arsenal during the winter window, with former Dortmund team-mate Henrikh Mkhitaryan joining him in north London.
Arsenal’s defeat at Brighton was their fourth successive setback in all competitions , with the concession of two early goals at the Amex Stadiumleaving them with too much to do.
“I always think with Arsenal that when they concede the first goal, like they did, then they lose their heads a little bit,” said Smith.
“They can’t just go back into their shape and keep it tight for 10 or 15 minutes and work their way back into a game.”
