According to reports, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is close to ending speculation about his future by signing a new contract with Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta has repeatedly expressed his optimism at the potential for a deal over the last few weeks and it would appear the double success of winning the FA Cup and securing European football, in large part down to Aubameyang’s own contribution, has helped persuade our club captain to commit his future. Talks with the 31-year-old have been on and off for more than a year with the uncertainty over the direction of the club and the financial implications of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic both coming into play. Aubameyang scored 22 goals in the Premier League last season and netted twice in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Chelsea in Saturday’s FA Cup final. Since his move to Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018, he has scored 54 goals in 85 Premier League games.
Aubameyang, 31, is younger than Willian, 32 on Sunday, who has been offered a three-year deal to move from Chelsea on a free transfer. The news of the two contract offers comes a day after the club made a statement revealing their plan to make 55 members of staff redundant, including international recruitment specialist Francis Cagigao. Arsenal, who will hold meetings with staff on Friday, said one of the key reasons cutbacks are being made is to “maintain investment in the team”. Speaking before the FA Cup final, Alexandre Lacazette said his future at Arsenal is not dependent on Aubameyang staying. Asked if he has entered talks over a new contract, Lacazette replied: “No, we didn’t talk about this. 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.” Lacazette and Aubameyang are close both on and off the pitch but the France international said his future at Arsenal is not entwined with that of the club’s captain.
Arsenal’s season was not a delight to watch but things could have been worse if Arsenal hadn’t won the FA cup and grab silverware, which also made them grant a qualification in the Europa League.
