You can’t blame Arsenal fans for being really excited about the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The striker had quite an incredible goalscoring record at Borussia Dortmund, where he scored 100 goals in 118 appearances in his final three years at the German club.

And after scoring a goal on his debut during a 5-1 thrashing of Everton, it only encouraged Gooners to get carried away.

In fairness, Wenger rarely makes statement signings like Aubameyang.

Spending almost £60 million on a player that turns 29 in the summer is very unlike the French manager but supporters aren’t complaining.

MERSON KNOWS WHY WENGER SIGNED AUBAMEYANG

However, former Arsenal player Paul Merson thinks he knows exactly why Wenger made the signing - as a farewell gift.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ ‘The Debate’ Merson claimed that, just like Alex Ferguson, Wenger brought Aubameyang in order to achieve his goal before bowing out.

"These don't seem like Arsene Wenger signings to me," he added.

"When has he ever bought a 29-year-old for £60m with no sell-on clause? Never ever.

"Sir Alex Ferguson did it a few years ago. He said he needed to win the league and he got Robin van Persie to score him the goals to get above Manchester City.

"There was no sell-on, he got him to win the league, then he planned to retire. The Aubameyang signing says to me, 'this is a top-four signing then see you later.'"

It’s actually a very interesting point from Merson and it certainly makes sense.

But the Gunners have a tough ask to earn qualification for the Champions League next season - even with Aubameyang in their ranks.

They’re currently five points adrift of Chelsea in fourth and four behind Spurs in fifth. Of course, they could cut that gap to their north London rivals to just one point if they beat them in the derby at Wembley on Saturday.

However, a defeat would be a massive blow to their top-four hopes.