Auba call gives Arteta ‘major headache’ as six suitors named

Matt Stead
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will not make life easier for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal by heading to Saudi Arabia on loan.

Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, second and fourth in the Saudi Pro League respectively, were thought to have made offers to take Aubameyang on loan for the rest of the season with an option to buy, covering the entirety of his wages.

That outcome suited Arsenal as they could offload their former captain and save on his earnings for six months before trying to arrange a permanent deal in the summer.

But Aubameyang is understood to be reluctant to make the move as he still feels he has plenty to offer in a top European league.


Early Loser: Arsenal, whether with or without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang


The Athletic name French champions Paris Saint-Germain as being interested in Aubameyang, but they would only be prepared to pay some of his wages.

The Gabon international would likely leap at that opportunity, however, as he is ‘extremely ambitious and determined to prove his quality.

Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, who describes the situation as ‘a major headache’ for Arteta, suggest Juventus are also monitoring the situation.

But it is doubtful that they would be in the necessary financial position to convince Arsenal any deal is worthwhile, particularly as The Old Lady are thought to be preparing an offer for Gunners target, Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The Daily Telegraph offer the most conclusive rundown of the clubs keeping an eye on developments regarding Aubameyang.

They name PSG and Marseille of Ligue Un, Serie A’s Juve and AC Milan, and La Liga sides Barcelona and Sevilla, while acknowledging that none of that sextet ‘would be able to cover’ Aubameyang’s £350,000-a-week wages.

Arsenal would be less content with loaning the 32-year-old to a fellow European club because ‘he could provoke criticism of the club if he performs well’ in a more prominent league.

Aubameyang’s future could also be contingent on the summer plans in store for Vlahovic, PSG forward Mauro Icardi and Alvaro Morata, the Atletico Madrid striker on loan at Juventus who is being targeted by Barcelona.