Arsene Wenger went all out when it came to replacing Alexis Sanchez in January.

The Chilean’s departure to Manchester United last month was a huge blow for Arsenal who could do little to stop the contract rebel leaving. However, the switch sparked a spending spree that restored Gooners’ faith in Wenger during winter windows.

He negotiated for the arrival of Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the opposite direction before breaking the club’s transfer record for the second time in six months to introduce Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The incoming forwards made an impressive start to life at the Emirates Stadium, too, during the 5-1 thumping of Everton that saw Aaron Ramsey bag a hat-trick.

Mkhitaryan provided no less than three assists on his home bow, while Aubameyang showed his clinical finishing with a chipped debut goal.

Can Aubameyang replace Alexis Sanchez?

However, just how the ex-Borussia Dortmund pair will fare in some of the bigger games this season will speak volumes about Arsenal’s decision making.

Namely, do the duo fill the void left by Sanchez?

One of the schools of thought concerning Aubameyang’s game before his arrival and after the Everton game suggests he lacks something that his predecessor had in abundance – activity and number of touches.

That’s not to suggest that the Gabon international is lazy but his Jamie Vardy-like resting on the last man sees him far less involved in fixtures compared to Sanchez.

Different positions and very different players yet, nevertheless, something that’s perhaps now missing from the Arsenal side.

Enter Ian Wright. The Arsenal cult hero had something to say on the matter and raised an important point about Aubameyang’s game that he, alongside Mesut Ozil and Mkhitaryan, has over Sanchez.

Ian Wright sums up Aubameyang perfectly

“It’s been mentioned about Aubameyang not having enough touches in matches. He can get away with that,” Wright dictated.

“If he stays right at the top there and let him get on with it, then why do you want touches when you’ve got Ozil, Mkhitaryan and all those players?

“You can stay on the edge and not touch it. If Arsenal can play to his strengths, he’s that kind of player who could have four touches and score four goals.”

You’ve got to say; the man has a point.

It goes to show that Aubameyang could actually be exactly what Arsenal need up front amidst all their creative talent now.

When you have so many intricate, creative midfielders, somebody who can simply find the back of the net by any means is perhaps preferable to Sanchez’s furious running and tracking back.

Wenger could be onto something, after all.

Do you think Aubameyang is a sufficient replacement for Sanchez? Have your say in the comments section below.