Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future at Arsenal remains a major talking point with the striker’s contract expiring in the summer of 2021.
Reports suggest that the Gunners are working hard behind the scenes to get their skipper to agree to a new deal. However, should the Gabon star not sign he would then be available on a free transfer.
In February Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta revealed he was delighted with the 30-year-old’s contribution since taking over in December.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Latest Videos FromThe Week
Aubameyang has scored 20 goals in 32 games this season for the Gunners and has attracted interest from a number of European clubs.
Arteta said of his captain: “Before I took over I had my questions about him but he has shown his commitment. I wanted him to show if he wanted to do it and do it physically.
“I’m so happy with him. He is scoring important goals and as a captain he is giving a great example to everyone else with the way he is working defensively.”
Arsenal are currently ninth in the Premier League table with 40 points from 28 matches. That’s eight points behind Chelsea, who sit in the fourth Champions League qualification spot.
It’s Aubameyang’s Champions League ambitions that could have a major impact on where his future lies.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Trio lead chase
Barcelona have regularly been linked with the frontman and the Daily Mail reports that the Spanish giants, French champions Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Manchester United are all interested.
Aubameyang’s form in front of goal helped Arsenal win three matches in a row before the Premier League was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.
In fact without Aubameyang’s 17 top-flight goals this season the Gunners would be 19th in the Premier League table and facing a relegation battle.
The Mail’s Jordan Seward says: “He has single-handedly won 16 points for Arsenal this season and scored 43% of all of their goals in the Premier League - it’s hard to think of any player more pivotal to their team than Aubameyang.”
Merson: just what United are missing
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has risked the wrath of the Gooners by suggesting that Aubameyang is “just what Manchester United are missing”.
The Sun reported at the weekend that United are “circling” around Aubameyang and boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes to take advantage of the contract situation. The paper adds that the Old Trafford club are plotting a sensational £50m swoop.
Sky Sports pundit Merson believes United could be a “major force” if they sign Aubameyang and Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish.
Merson said: “Aubameyang is what Manchester United are missing. He is a goal scorer and goal scorers are priceless.
“They are crying out for someone who is going to score them 20 to 25 goals, and that’s what Aubameyang can bring. He gets you 25 goals without even breaking sweat.
“Add a [Jack] Grealish if they can get him and then you’ve got Bruno Fernandes as well playing in behind a striker, Manchester United will be a major force.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
