Arsenal could sell Alexandre Lacazette instead of Aubameyang: report

Arsenal are reportedly keen on keeping hold of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang beyond the next transfer window despite the fact that his contract expires in 14 months’ time.

Aubameyang’s contract situation has been regularly discussed in the media over the past few weeks and they have been suggestions that the club could lose him for a reduced fee when he enters the final year of his deal.

According to France Football, Real Madrid are understood to have made an initial enquiry for Aubameyang through an intermediary but they have yet to place an official bid for his services.

The same publication has quoted the intermediary saying that the Gunners may not part ways with their club-captain and they would rather sanction the sale of Alexandre Lacazette as part of the rebuild.

“On the market, a frantic goalscorer like Aubameyang is valued at €50m as he is in the last year of contract. But I think Arsenal will do everything to keep him. I rather see them selling Lacazette and taking on another major attacker,” the intermediary told.

Lacazette has experienced a difficult season by his standards with the Gunners and he has netted just nine goals when compared to Aubameyang’s 20 across all competitions.

Unlike Aubameyang, the Frenchman’s deal only expires during the summer of 2022 and there have been doubts raised over his future, as manager Mikel Arteta tended to favour Eddie Nketiah to lead the line ahead of him before the coronavirus shutdown.

So far, the Gunners have not found any breakthrough in the contract negotiations with Aubameyang but things could change when the season recommences in the coming months.

Still, the club may have to pay a significant salary to convince him to stay in case they miss out on the Champions League, and it remains to be seen whether the board will re-consider and meet his wage demands.

Otherwise, there could be a possibility where Aubameyang leaves the club while Lacazette stays or both are shown the exit door as part of the squad rebuild under Arteta.