Paul Merson has commented on future of Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

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Paul Merson has claimed it would be a “major disaster” for Arsenal if they lose Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the summer, but explained they will need to weigh up the decision.

The Gunners striker is currently out of contract at the Emirates Stadium in 2021 and is reportedly attracting widespread interest.

According to the Sun, Manchester United are interested in signing the 30-year-old and he could be available for £50million.

Meanwhile, 90min reports that there is also interest from Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona in the centre-forward.

Sky Sports pundit Merson has suggested it would be a major loss to Arsenal if Aubameyang exits, but admitted they would need to weigh up the decision due to the fact his contract is expiring and also his age.

“It would be a major disaster for Arsenal if they lost Aubameyang, however, the decision will be weighed up and at least it will be the club’s decision as to what they do,” Merson told Sky Sports.

“If they want to keep Aubameyang they will have to pay him big money, but Arsenal may look at it and think if we give him £300,000-a-week for the next two or three years, is he going to be the same player? It’s a really hard decision and it will all come down to how the club weigh it up.”

TBR’s View:

Aubameyang is the outstanding individual in the Arsenal squad right now, so losing him for next season would be massive and clearly make them a weaker side.

The Gabon international has 20 goals in just 32 Arsenal matches during this campaign and trying to secure his long-term future should be prioritised, as it doesn’t look like he’s slowing down anytime soon.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has the task of trying to get his team to close the gap to the Premier League’s elite right now and he can’t afford to be letting his best players to leave.