ArseDevils
·5 July 2020
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·5 July 2020
The contract negotiations of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have been the subject of increased speculation in recent times. Some sources say that the deal is dead and that Arsenal have stopped discussions after an agreement could not be reached. Others say that Mikel Arteta has become personally involved as a broker between the board and Aubameyang to retain the services of his captain and a top striker.
Another source open to us suggests that the protracted discussions are still ongoing and it provides greater detail on why an agreement has taken so long.
The Gunners have had an established contract rule for players over the age of 30, which has hampered any progress. Dennis Bergkamp had desperate trouble trying to secure an additional season with the club, but it now appears that they are open to a change of heart in Aubameyang’s case.
According to ESPN, Arsenal initially only wanted to offer a two-year contract with the option of a third but Aubameyang’s representatives wanted three, apparently pointing out that they had tentative interest from other clubs in a three-year deal, no questions asked.
The proposed wage increase with a new deal would take the Gabon hitman’s pay to £250,000 per week and has also been a sticking point due to Arsenal’s financial position and the lost revenue due to the pandemic.
It’s now thought that the club are trying to structure the deal through a series of bonuses that include qualification to Europa and Champions League, appearances, performances, and final league position but, that part of the negotiations is still under discussion.
Aubameyang became the fastest Premier League player to score 50 goals this week with a typical predatory brace against Norwich.
It’s always been part of Arteta’s plan to keep him at the Emirates, not just because of his ability as a pivotal player, but also as a statement that Arsenal are no longer a selling club. The next week or two could put a huge smile on the faces of Arsenal fans if Mikel Arteta pulls off another Saka moment by securing Aubameyang.