Arsenal are reportedly open to selling club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer as they look to generate funds to add new players.
According to a report from The Telegraph, Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before the transfer window closes as they look to raise funds for further moves in the market.
Arsenal have been the heaviest spenders in the transfer market this summer, having splashed close to £130 million for the signing of five players in Nuno Tavares, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Ben White, Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale. Their transfer activity, though, has been questioned a great deal by former players, fans and pundits alike.
With results on the field not going their way, Mikel Arteta has come under intense pressure and the Gunners might look to delve into the market to add more quality to the squad before the window closes. But, having splashed the cash already, they are in need to generate funds, which could lead to them offloading some players, with Aubameyang likely to be one among them.
The 32-year-old has been with the Gunners since January 2018, having arrived from Borussia Dortmund. He quickly established himself as a fan favourite and has racked up 149 appearances, scoring 85 goals and setting up 19 more. He was named the club captain in due time, while Aubameyang was also handed a new bumper contract last year.
However, his form has been on the downslide ever since. The former AC Milan and Dortmund forward produced a tally of just ten goals in 29 Premier League games in the 2020/21 campaign. He also missed Arsenal’s opening day fixture of this season against Brentford after testing positive for coronavirus while was only fit enough to make an appearance from the bench against Chelsea last weekend.
Given that he earns around £250,000-a-week, offloading him would create plenty of room on the wage bill for Arsenal while also helping them generate funds. However, due to the said wages and his declining form, clubs are said to be apprehensive of making a move for the Gabonese international.
Barcelona were said to be among the clubs interested in signing Aubameyang while there have also been links to Real Madrid recently. However, given the La Liga giants’ financial plight, a move seems like a very long shot. As things stand, though, Arsenal remain open to offers and it will be interesting to see if there is any club willing to make a swoop for the 32-year-old before the transfer window slams shut.
