Transfer Rumors: Aubameyang Puts Arsenal Offer On Hold, Waiting For Barca Pitch

Arsenal F.C. may finally seal the deal with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after months of waiting. But the Gabon national, who has been waiting for a new contract from the Gunners, may put off signing a new contract due to Barcelona, a report said.

According to The Telegraph, Arsenal management has finally put together an acceptable deal for the 31-year-old player after a scolding from Mikel Arteta. The offer is believed to be the same one the Gabon forward was asking for.

However, a recent update from Mundo Deportivo claimed that Aubameyang will hold off agreeing to a new deal. FC Barcelona is reportedly considering the Gabon captain, and Aubameyang is prepared to wait and see if there is an offer coming.

The sudden interest of Barca is believed to be because Barca may not be able to afford original target Lautaro Martinez. The Catalan giants are working on a tight budget like most teams due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Inter Milan is seeking roughly $115 million in exchange for the 22-year-old Argentine striker.

But if he agrees to Arsenal's deal, Aubameyang will make roughly $317,000 a week in wages aside from bonuses. He currently earns about $251,000 per week.

It should be noted that even if Aubameyang agrees to the new contract, he would still not be the Gunners' top earner. That right still belongs to Mesut Ozil, who makes $444,000 a week.

It remains to be seen if Aubameyang will agree to Arsenal's terms, which are allegedly the same as what he was demanding. Regardless, his relationship with Arteta is expected to factor in. Both have shared a good relationship since the Spanish coach took over from Unai Emery back in December.

Arteta made it clear that he wants to keep the Gabon national, and the contract talks were becoming a bit frustrating. Aubameyang was one of the players he was addressing when he said there were uncertain things on the table in a previous report.

“With Auba, I think I’ve been very clear with what I want. The quicker we do it for me personally the better because the player will be more focused, more determined and more calm, but we have to respect the timings as well and the needs that the football club has,” Arteta said.