News is apparently out that Arsenal will not stand in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s way if other clubs are keen to buy their captain this summer.
Although very much a key part of Mikel Arteta’s plans the Gabon international is no longer tagged as indispensable as Arsenal are looking to raise money through sales in the final week of the transfer window.
The 32-year-old striker has two years remaining on the contract he signed in September 2020 and earns around £250,000 a week, which is why his salary demands are likely to prove problematic for any interested teams in Europe under the current pandemic-induced financial conditions.
Aubameyang missed Arsenal’s opening-day loss at Brentford after testing positive for coronavirus and was not fit enough to start in Sunday’s defeat by Chelsea at the Emirates.
The Gabon international’s form has dipped considerably in the past year, leading to a dismal goal return of 15 in all competitions last season, compared to 29 and 31 in his previous two full campaigns.
With Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah both in the final year of their contracts, the striker position is one of the most pressing areas for Arsenal to address currently.
Lacazette and Nketiah could also leave during this transfer window, with Nketiah, 22, more likely to depart due to his age, lower wage demands and greater potential for development.
Brighton and Crystal Palace have shown interest in Nketiah, who is the record scorer for England’s Under-21s. The player is working his way back to full fitness after suffering an ankle injury in pre-season.
Arsenal are hoping for a busy final few days in the transfer market as they look to offload a series of players who are not considered fundamental to Arteta’s rebuilding plans in north London.
They have signed five players this summer, all of whom are aged 23 or under, but will almost certainly need to sell some of the existing squad if they are to bring in any more recruits.