Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is keen to return to France if he leaves Arsenal in the January transfer window after Mikel Arteta removed him as captain, according to football.london.
Arteta stripped Aubameyang of the armband after the striker’s ‘latest’ disciplinary breach. The Gabon international is also training away from the first-team at the Gunners’ London Colney facilities. And the club have given no indication of when he will be welcomed back.
The 32-year-old’s situation ensured he remained unavailable for selection as Arsenal beat Sunderland in the Carabao Cup. It is unlikely that Arteta will recall Aubameyang to his side before the turn of the year, when the forward departs for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Arteta wants to avoid Aubameyang’s situation turning into a repeat of the final months of Mesut Ozil’s time at Arsenal. The Spaniard let the German train with the squad, but had no intention of fielding the midfielder before joining Fenerbahce.
Arsenal willing to subside Aubameyang wage to seal January transfer exit
Clubs in Spain and Italy are attentive to Arteta casting Aubameyang off into the wilderness before the January sales start. But the £350k-a-week striker – whose contract runs to 2023 – would rather return to France, where his mother was recently based, if he does leave.
No side has yet contacted Arsenal to discuss a January transfer for Aubameyang, however. Barcelona have considered an approach, and Sport note he would be interested in joining. Intermediaries have also alerted Serie A sides Juventus and AC Milan to his possible exit.
But Aubameyang’s high wage will cause problems if Arsenal try to offload the forward in a January transfer. So, the Gunners are willing to subside part of his pay in a permanent deal.
Arsenal took a similar stance to offload Ozil. The Athletic noted they remained on the hook for over 90% of his £350k-a-week salary for five-months, despite his exit.
The Gunners will no doubt hope to pay less of Aubameyang’s salary, should he leave next month. While also offloading a player Arteta hailed in March, via BeIN Sport, as ‘incredible’.
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