Clock ticking for Arsenal as Madrid set deadline for Aubameyang decision

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang TEAMtalk

Real Madrid have told Arsenal that they must make a decision on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future by June 15, according to reports.

Aubameyang, who joined the Gunners from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018, has scored an impressive 61 goals in 97 appearances since his arrival.

Indeed, the Gabon international had netted 17 in the Premier League this term before the action was halted but as well as the season, the striker’s future is now at a crossroads.

Aubameyang has just over a year remaining on his contract and at 30 years of age, a bumper new contract could be his last – or, it could be the final opportunity for Arsenal to gain any value on him.

Real have been linked with the forward for a number of months now but according to the Star on Sunday, the Spanish giants have now set the ball rolling on the player’s future.

It is said that Los Blancos are unwilling to wait around and have set the deadline in a bid to spur Arsenal into making a decision one way or the other.

What’s more, while swap deals are likely to be favoured by many clubs due to the financial uncertainties surrounding the game, Real are reportedly that they may have to pay £40million and upwards to land Aubameyang.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta insisted in March that he would sit down with the striker to discuss the player’s future.

Recent reports have claimed, however, that Arsenal have been offered the chance to let go of Aubameyang in a swap deal for Mauro Icardi, who is on loan at Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has said that he will be fully supportive of whichever decision Aubameyang makes, adding that the Gunners would miss his goals if he left.