Arsenal could lose key player for just £35m this summer: report

Arsenal are reportedly facing the prospect of losing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the cheap amid his reluctance to sign a new contract with the club.

The Gabon international has been a key performer for the Gunners since his move from Borussia Dortmund two years ago and he has contributed an impressive tally of 61 goals from just 97 appearances.

The club’s hierarchy have been in discussions with the forward over an improved contract over the past year but so far, there has been no progress over the same.

According to The Sun, the north London side could sanction the sale of Aubameyang for a reduced price this summer due to their inability to find the breakthough in the contract talks.

Aubameyang is said to want the assurance of European football before signing the extension and that remains uncertain for the moment with the season expected to extend to the summer months after the league’s suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Gunners board are keen to avoid a similar instance to former midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere, who were allowed to leave for free at the expiry of their respective contracts.

As per Transfermarkt, Aubameyang is valued at £63m but The Sun claims that the forward could be sold for just £35m as the interested clubs look to take advantage of the contract situation.

Spanish giants Barcelona have been credited with an interest since the turn of the year but Paris Saint-Germain and arch-rivals Manchester United are also understood to be monitoring the proceedings.