Arsenal plotting to sacrifice rising stars to fund Aubameyang extension

Arsenal.TEAMtalk

Arsenal will consider sacrificing homegrown talent in order to raise the capital to extend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract.

The 30-year-old has been the Gunners’ standout player ever since his £56 million arrival from Borussia Dortmund in 2018.

But despite his prowess in front of goal, Arsenal have struggled to make an impression in the Premier League.

A fifth-placed finish in 2018/19 ensured the club missed out on Champions League football this season. And currently sitting in ninth, the prospects of achieving the top four appear bleak once more when football resumes.

Aubameyang has so far refused to sign an extension, leaving the club with a difficult decision to make regarding his future.

The Gabon superstar’s contract expires in 12 months’ time, which has predictably led to widespread interest.

A remarkable report revealed the Chelsea board overruled Frank Lampard in his quest to sign Aubameyang, while Man Utd and Real Madrid have also been mentioned.

Now, The Sun has revealed that Arteta could take the drastic action of sacrificing the club’s younger talent in order to fund the extension.

 

The outlet report that Arsenal are ‘willing to sell Ainsley Maitland-Niles,’ with a £20m fee touted to seal his deal.

The versatile right-back fell down the pecking order under Arteta, but he may not be the only departure.

Emile Smith Rowe is also mentioned, though it is specualted it would take ‘a big offer’ to convince Arsenal to allow him to leave.

 

Edouard an alternative

The Sun article notes that should Aubameyang still depart, the capital raised could go towards securing a replacement.

 

Celtic hitman Odsonne Edouard is listed, fresh off being named Scottish Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year last week.

A £30m price tag is expected to be placed on Edouard’s head, and Celtic are understandably keen to keep him.

Everton, Crystal Palace and Leicester are also credited with interest.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have reportedly snatched an agreement for a €60m-rated defensive ace.