Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has presented his contracted demands to Arsenal and it has caused more than just concern around the Emirates.
Reports linked the 30-year-old with a move to Barcelona in January.
Aubameyang seemingly is happy at North London and wanted to see how the rest of the season goes under Mikel Arteta. He has continued to perform at an elite level, scoring 17 goals in 26 Premier League games this season.
However, with his contract due to end in another 15 months, there is serious concern regarding his future. Arsenal have faced similar situations before where they had to resort to the demands of the player or lose them for nothing. Aubameyang is the best player in the current side and they cannot afford to lose him, at least not without making a decent profit out of him.
Daily Mail claims the Gabon international wants more than a 30% increase from his current £200-per-week wages. That would mean upwards of £300-per-week even though his current deal has several bonus clauses to get him to that figure.
Almost every Arsenal fan will agree that Aubameyang has earned every single penny. But it will be left up to the board on whether his demands are met. Arsenal already have to bear Mesut Ozil’s mammoth contract of £350,000-per-week. Mikel Arteta will also need financial backing in the summer window, to bring in quality players in several positions.
Spending a chunk of those players could provoke the Gunners into considering a sale. Aubameyang is in the prime of his career and even at 30, he could fetch a decent sum in the transfer market. However, it will be extreamely foolish of Arsenal to sell one of the world’s best strikers when the remainder of the team is so below par.
READ MORE: Arsenal Highest Transfer Fees Paid And Received Ever
