Aubameyang's future may be out of Arsenal hands as he 'freezes' talks
Gossip & Rumours
By
Mirror
| Jul 22, 2020
Aubameyang's contract wrangle is still ongoing as the forward weighs up his next move, leaving Arsenal in limbo while the likes of Barcelona remain interested in his signature
Arsenal could be facing a nervous wait over whether they have successfully persuaded Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to stay at the club.
The Gunners' captain is out of contract next year and is still yet to commit to a new deal.
Should he not pen fresh terms, Arsenal may opt to sell their talisman this summer to avoid losing him for nothing in 2021.
Negotiations looked to be working in Arsenal's favour of late as Aubameyang seemed more likely to sign an extension.
However Spanish publication Sport claim the forward is delaying his decision on a new contract as he is waiting for Barcelona to make their move.
Aubameyang has been linked with a switch to the Nou Camp as Barca eye attacking reinforcements.
The 31-year-old would be available for a cut-price fee this summer if Arsenal were forced into a sale, which appeals to Barca, who are operating on a strict budget following the coronavirus pandemic.
They are looking for an eventual replacement for current no.9 Luis Suarez, 33, but their primary target is Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez.
With Martinez carrying a price tag of around £100million though, they may have to seek out other options.
Sport's report adds that Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu is planning a swoop for Aubameyang if a deal for Martinez does not come to fruition.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is seemingly unphased by any speculation surrounding his star man though.
"I have always been very positive about the future of Aubameyang," Arteta said recently. "I see his behavior, I see how he trains every day and I know he is happy.
"I talk to him a lot. We know how important he is for this team."
Key to whether Arsenal can tie down their top goalscorer will be the lure of European football next season.
Arsenal have given themselves a 50/50 chance of securing a Europa League spot if they can beat London rivals Chelsea in the FA Cup final in less than a fortnight.
The opportunity to qualify through league form alone has already passed Arsenal by, as they can no longer finish inside the top seven.