Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson thinks that Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s wage demands will prove a major obstacle to the 30-year-old staying at the Emirates in the summer.

The Gunners captain is closing in on the final twelve months of his contract with the London club, and Merson believes the key issue will be Aubameyang wanting parity with Mesut Ozil’s salary:

“It would be a major disaster for Arsenal if they lost Aubameyang, however, the decision will be weighed up and at least it will be the club’s decision as to what they do.”

“Do they give him £300,000-a-week? I’ve always said they will have a problem until Mesut Ozil leaves the club. Every day he’s there, every other top player will want what he’s on. It’s a huge problem and not a new one.”

Aubameyang has been linked with a host of different clubs in recent days, including Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Of course, it is likely that the Gabonese international will also have other things to consider than just wages. With Arsenal unlikely to qualify for the Champions League, the forward will also have to weigh up whether he needs to leave for footballing reasons.

It is a massive concern for Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta who has already said that he wants to ensure Aubameyang stays at the club for the long term.