Alan Smith has noted in his Sky Sports column that the wages Arsenal will save by releasing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before his free transfer to Barcelona represents a ‘big bonus’.
The Gunners announced on Tuesday they and the Gabon forward had mutually agreed to tear up his contract. Aubameyang fell out of favour under Mikel Arteta after a disciplinary breach in December that resulted in the Spaniard stripping the striker of their captaincy.
Aubameyang had not featured for Arsenal since losing the armband, with his final outing a late five-minute cameo at Everton. The 32-year-old scored four goals over his 14 Premier League appearances this season, to take his career tally to 68 and 21 assists in 130 games.
Barcelona have ended Aubameyang’s Arsenal exile by securing a free transfer for the 72-cap international. The Camp Nou natives confirmed his capture on Wednesday, with the forward signing a three-and-a-half-year contract featuring a €100m (£83m) release clause.
Smith believes wages saved from Aubameyang exit is ‘big bonus’ for Arsenal
Former Arsenal striker Smith believes the wages Arsenal will now save from Aubameyang’s exit represents a ‘big bonus’ for Arteta. The Gunners will save just over £27m by removing his £350k-a-week contract running to the 2023 from their salary bill, per the Daily Mail.
“How things have ended up, obviously it does leave the manager short of options up front, especially,” Smith wrote. “But he’s offloaded a fair few players who were on the fringes and he’s lightened that wage bill by a considerable amount with Aubameyang’s departure.
“That is a big bonus when you look ahead to the summer transfer window.”
Aubameyang’s exit leaves Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre-Lacazette as Arteta’s only centre-forward options at Arsenal. He could also field Gabriel Martinelli through the middle, but the Brazilian has thrived on the wings this season.
Barcelona also face a decision over Aubameyang’s involvement following his free transfer from Arsenal. The Athletic report Xavi Hernandez must either omit him or one of January signings Ferran Torres, Dani Alves and Adama Traore from their Europa League squad.
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