Aaron Ramsey

Arsenal legend-turned-pundit Paul Merson has urged the Gunners to sort out the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the earliest opportunity. The 30-year-old currently has less than 15 months remaining on his contract with the Gunners and he has been touted to head through the club’s exit door during the summer unless he puts pen-to-paper on a fresh deal.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson said that the Gunners must find a quick solution to Aubameyang’s contract and based on that, they can adjust their summer transfer plans. Otherwise, he believes the club should part ways with the marksman rather than keeping hold of him next season like Aaron Ramsey, who left on a free transfer last summer.

“I would say to him (Aubameyang): ‘Is it money, is the salary you’re looking for? Is that what we’ve got to do to keep you?. Because if he says yes, then Arsenal should do the deal, and that means come when the season ends or when we’re available to do transfers, then one or two sales will more than justify what his financial package may be. Don’t leave it like Aaron Ramsey. Either give him the deal, or you have to sell him. Only two ways to do it,” he told Sky Sports.

Aubameyang has regularly spoken about his happiness playing for the north London giants but that has not necessarily contributed to an extension. He has been attracting interest from several elite clubs of late but the Gunners could favour to sanction his departure abroad, should they need to make the choice of selling him.

Both Barcelona and Real Madrid have been credited with an interest in his signature. However, he remains an alternative option for both teams. The Blaugrana have earmarked Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez as the prime transfer target for the summer. Los Blancos, on the other hand, are reportedly keen on landing Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.