Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to pick from three destinations as Arsenal exit nears

A Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer away from Arsenal is reportedly edging closer with the striker now resigned to leaving and ready to pick from three potential destinations in the January window.

The striker’s future looks uncertain after he was stripped of the captaincy recently following a disciplinary breach. That has also seen him miss the club’s last five matches – all of which have resulted in wins. As such, it’s no surprise to see reports linking the striker with moves elsewhere.

Indeed, Aubameyang is understood to be a target for Italian clubs Milan, Inter and Roma.

There is also interest from Spain too, with Barcelona seemingly keen, despite their recent capture of Ferran Torres.

As such, reports recently claimed Barcelona are looking to offer the Gunners a £247m duo as part of swap.

Furthermore, reports last week claim the Gunners, despite the best wishes of Mikel Arteta, have placed Aubameyang on the transfer list.

Now, according to Football.London, Aubameyang will choose from three destinations after accepting his fate.

They write that his preferred destination is actually France, so he can be close to his mother. Although he represents Gabon at international level, the striker was born in Laval, a town in western France.

However, they report that the striker is also willing to discuss potential moves to both Spain and Italy too.

Aubameyang has been linked with Barcelona

Arsenal's Aubameyang has been linked with a loan move to Barcelona.

Wherever he ends up, it now seems likely that Aubameyang has played his last game for Arsenal.

It’s an inauspicious ending for the striker, who has been a major influence since his move four years ago. During his 163 appearances for the Gunners, he’s scored 92 times – more than any other player.

Xhaka sympathy for Aubameyang transfer talk

Having gone through similar, another former captain Granit Xhaka still hopes Aubameyang can work his way back into the side.

“I have been in this situation and I know how he is feeling,” Xhaka told The Athletic. “Mine is a different story, with different problems to Auba.

“Sometimes, maybe, this is not a step back but is a step forward. I think Auba is strong enough and has enough experience to be back and to be better than before.

“I believe everything happens for a reason. It doesn’t have to be something to bring you down. You have to think positive and believe you can turn it around. I believe he can.

“I had some very, very dark days and nights. Everyone can run away. That’s so simple, you open the door and walk out. But I was never that type of person.

“I knew I was the right person for this football club and I want to give them something. I will do everything for this football club to win games and with a lot of passion.”

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