Arsenal would prefer to cash in on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer rather than risk losing him for nothing – even if it means selling to Premier League rivals Manchester United. The Red Devils have identified Aubameyang, 30, as a top target ahead of the summer transfer window, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly hoping to entice him to Old Trafford in a deal worth £50m. Gabon superstar Aubameyang has been one of the most prolific goalscorers in Europe over the past seven years, scoring 141 goals in 213 appearances for Borussia Dortmumd and a further 61 goals in 96 games for Arsenal. Despite his substantial influence at the Emirates – Aubameyang was named the new Arsenal captain at the end of last year – the Gunners are struggling to convince the forward to sign a new deal.
Aubameyang will have just 12 months left on his current contract come the summer and The Sun say Arsenal officials have accepted the fact he will not extend his stay in north London. The Gabon international wants to be playing Champions League football and that appears unlikely at Arsenal, who are currently ninth in the Premier League and were knocked out of the Europa League last month. It is claimed Arsenal would ‘prefer’ to sell Aubameyang this summer rather than lose the player on a free transfer and could recoup almost all the £56m they paid for him three years ago if they sell to United.
Solskjaer is keen to bolster his attacking options this summer and, in Aubameyang, he is targeting a proven Premier League goalscorer. Manchester United face competition from Barcelona and PSG in the race to sign Arsenal ace Aubameyang. Arsenal’s stance may be seen as a mistake by Gunners hero Paul Merson, who urged his former club last month to keep hold of Aubameyang, even if it meant losing him for nothing in a years’ time.
