Arsenal have reportedly shelved contract talks with captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and are ready to listen to offers.
The Gunners have agreed a 12.5% wage cut with players as a way to ease financial trouble caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the Mail reports Aubameyang currently earns £200,000 a week and wants a 'significant upgrade' on his current deal to sign a contract extension.
Arsenal are unlikely to offer the 30-year-old a significantly increased contract given the current climate in the world.
Gabonese international Aubameyang is also desperate to return to Champions League football - an unlikely scenario for Arsenal next season.
Barcelona and Inter Milan have been credited with interest in Aubameyang, who has scored 17 Premier League goals this season.
The news comes as a bitter blow to Mikel Arteta who has previously spoken of how important the forward is to his side.
Arteta explained back in February: "The [clubs who want him] are completely right because he is a superb player.
"He completely deserves to be liked by all the other teams. Hopefully we can convince him that this is the right place for him and that he has a future here.
"Hopefully [the wins will help] but as well what we are trying to do. Does he really enjoy walking out onto the pitch every time he goes? It's very much part of what we are trying to build here and I think he is with that mindset at the moment.
"I think it's been tough for a player like him, because there's been a lot of disappointment in the last few months or years because he has big expectations and he wants to play for the biggest clubs in the biggest tournaments.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored more Premier League goals for Arsenal (49) since the start of the 2015/16 season than any other player.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 24, 2020
Yes, you're right, he did only join in January 2018. 😳 pic.twitter.com/onbOdi7BHB
"He wants to be up there with the best players in the world, and we have to try and support him and give him everything as a club, so that he really feels fulfilled here. That's the challenge that we have."
Do you think Aubameyang will leave Arsenal and if so, where will he move to?
Let us know in the comments.
source https://www.sportbible.com/football/football-news-transfers-arsenal-ready-to-listen-to-offers-for-pierre-emerick-aubameyang-20200424
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