Despite reports stating that Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is close to signing a new three-year contract at the Emirates, the Guardian journalist Fabrizio Romano has struck a note a caution about the deal.
The reliable reporter took to Twitter late last night to say that while the Gunners are now very confident of the 31-year-old signing on the dotted line, the striker will only put pen to paper if Barcelona don’t come calling:
Willian approved also by Arteta. Just a matter of time and he’ll until 2023 – confirmed.
Thomas: Atlético told again… release clause (€50M) or he’ll stay.
Aubameyang contract extension: Arsenal are “confident”, if Barça will not come back for Auba he’s going to stay.⚪️? #AFC— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 7, 2020
Barca are looking for a new forward this summer, but their focus has been on signing Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan. However, despite the Argentine being keen on a move to the Camp Nou, the Catalan club are struggling to come up with the funds to sign him.
Aubameyang could well be their backup option, which may delay the Gabonese international from shaking hands over a new contract with Arsenal. If Lautaro does make the switch to Spain at some point this summer, it would probably pave the way for the Gunners star to stay.