Aubameyang's future at Arsenal depends on FA Cup Final

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Watford FC at Emirates Stadium on the final day of the League. Photo: Neil Hall/Pool via Getty Images

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's future as an Arsenal player reportedly hinges on the outcome of Saturday's FA Cup final showdown with Chelsea.


The Gabon international is into the final year of his Emirates Stadium contract and has attracted interest from a number of heavyweight clubs, including Barcelona  and Inter Milan.

Arsenal have the option of triggering a 12-month extension in Aubameyang's deal, but they are reluctant to do so over concerns about the financial implications of paying his big wages for another year.

Arsenal Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates goal with teammates during the Premier League encounter against Watford at the Emirates Stadium on the final day of the League. Gunners defeated Hornets 3-2. Photo: Rui Vieira/Pool via Getty Images

According to The Mirror, the only way the Gunners' stance will change is if they beat Chelsea this weekend and qualify for the Europa League, which they failed to achieve via a top-six finish in the Premier League.

Taking part in the European competition will be worth an extra £30m to Arsenal, it is claimed, allowing them to discuss fresh terms with Aubameyang and put an end to the speculation for good.

Mikel Arteta's side are also keen to reach an agreement with Real Madrid over retaining loan midfielder Dani Ceballos for another season.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the second highest goalscorer in the Premier League 2019-20 season with 22 goals, one goal behind Leicester City English striker Jamie Vardy who clinched the Golden Boot after scoring 23 goals.