Indications have shown that Arsenal striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang might have put pen to paper for an extended deal with the Gunners.
Aubameyang, who scored 22 goals in the recently concluded Premier League has been instrumental for Arsenal this season in the FA Cup. The Gabonese lived up to expectations when it mattered most, scoring brace in both the semi-finals against Manchester City and Chelsea in the finals to secure a Europa League football for the North London club.
In a cryptic message on his Twitter page, the Arsenal striker wrote with a meme, which indicates that he might have signed an extension. If everything goes well, Arsenal is expected to announce a new contract in the coming days.
….⏳
— Aubameyang P-E (@Aubameyang7) August 16, 2020
Signing a new deal will end speculations surrounding the future of Aubameyang. It was reported last week that the Gabon Striker is nearing an agreement, with his current deal due to expire at the end of next season.
What could be delaying the announcement of a contract extension for Aubameyang at Arsenal?
In another development, Aubameyang might not be partnering with Alexandre Lacazette next season after his strike partner emerged as a target for Juventus.
Juventus has been looking for a center-forward as Gonzalo Higuain looks like to pass his prime. The Frenchman could be involved in an exchange deal with Douglas Costa.
Arsenal’s usual policy to extend players’ deal once it enters the final year or even during the final year. This seem not to have work over a long time and they had to change as quality players are becoming scarce and expensive.
It could also be recalled that Lacazetter had before the FA Cup final said his future at Arsenal is not dependent on Aubameyang’s stay.
Lacazette who has two years left in his deal was reported to be part of the reason Arsenal is yet to announce Aubameyang’s contract extension. Arsenal is reportedly planning to offload him so as to balance the books with Willian also joining from Chelsea.
“No, we didn’t talk about (a new deal). Me, I’m just playing my games and finishing the season to see how it’s going to be but we didn’t talk about anything.”
“No, because we know that Auba has a lot of discussions with the club and I can’t put my future on someone else. When he came everyone knows we had a good relationship together. We always talk about everything, not only about football but everything in life. He’s a good guy. That’s why between us it became really easy.”
Lacazette and Aubameyang are close both on and off the pitch. The France international also said it is important to keep him at the club.
“It’s vital to keep hold of him, but if Real Madrid or Barcelona were to show interest in him at his age, and he wants to go, he’ll go. We had to let the best I’ve seen in an Arsenal shirt – Thierry Henry – go because he wanted to join Barca.
“Personally, I think it is as there’s very little guarantee in football but the guarantee he gives you when he’s fit is goals. Goals for Arsenal is the main ingredient in the way they play. Arsenal’s duty now is to fix a defence that has been weak for the past six or seven years.
“Gradually, I think Arteta will do that, but the club are still being held to ransom a little bit [over Aubameyang]. If Arsenal are to finally get this [contract] over the line, you give him what he wants, and then Aubameyang still becomes a sellable asset if he then wants to leave in a year.
“But if we run it down, as we did with Aaron Ramsey, you’re just holding on to someone who isn’t entirely committed to the cause. I’m hopeful now that Aubameyang will re-sign – Arsenal, get it over the line! It would be as big a boost as winning the FA Cup. That’s how big it would be.”
Aubameyang has now scored 54 Premier League goals for the Gunners since joining from Dortmund in January 2018.
