ARSENAL striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is still hopeful of a summer move to Barcelona, according to reports.
The 31-year-old is a key figure at the Emirates, having banged in 25 goals in all competitions this season.
Aubameyang has netted 25 goals for the Gunners this season
But with just a year left on his contract, the Gunners could be under pressure to sell the Gabonese star if they cannot agree an extension.
And according to Sport, Barcelona could turn their attentions towards Aubameyang as their hunt for a new striker intensifies.
The LaLiga giants have made no secret of their desire to acquire a new forward this summer.
And while Inter Milan goal-getter Lautaro Martinez appears to be at the top of their wishlist, his £100million release clause is proving to be a stumbling block.
Barcelona have paid north of this figure before, in deals for Antoine Griezmann, Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele.
But the coronavirus pandemic would make doing so again very difficult for Quique Setien’s side.
And Arsenal haven’t given up on keeping their skipper.
The Telegraph claim that the Gunners are “putting the finishing touches” on a new bumper £250,000-a-week contract for their No14.
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But whether or not he will sign on the dotted line, is another matter.
Aubameyang currently earns around £198k-a-week in North London, with a deal heavily built up on bonuses and incentives.
And while his proposed new deal would offer a significant increase, it would still leave him around £100k-a-week down on top-earner Mesut Ozil.
On sorting an extension for Aubameyang, boss Mikel Arteta is hopeful.
He said: “The quicker we do it for me personally the better because the player will be more focused, more determined and more calm.
Mikel Arteta is hopeful of keeping his star man and skipper
“But we have to respect the timings as well and the needs that the football club has.”
Failure to qualify for European football next season would represent a dent in Aubameyang’s ambitions.
And the only manner in which they can now do so would be to win the FA Cup final against Chelsea – with qualification through league standing out of the question following their 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
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By: Etienne Fermie
Title: Aubameyang ‘still dreams’ of Barcelona transfer as Arsenal ‘prepare £250k-a-week offer’
Sourced From: www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12194323/aubameyang-still-dreams-barcelona-arsenal/
Published Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2020 14:02:18 +0000
