Arsenal reportedly have the option to trigger a one-year deal extension for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but have chosen not to do so.
Aubameyang will be a free agesent next summer and Arsenal have been unable to agree fresh terms with the striker.
There are fears that the gunners will to cash in on Aubameyang if he refuses to sign a new deal, rather than risk losing him for nothing next year.
But, The Athletic claims Arsenal are in a strong position, as they included a one-year extension clause to his deal when he joined from Dortmund.
This clause to make Aubameyang stay for an additional year can be triggered now, but Arsenal have refused to do so.
Firstly, the clause would need the club to meet ‘punishing’ financial conditions, with the salary Aubameyang would receive being more than what they can offer him.
Secondly, they do not want to keep hold of the forward against his will and feel it could be damaging to their reputation.
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Arsenal are believed to be ready to give the Gabon international a three-year deal worth £250,000-per-week, which include bonuses, to convince him to stay at the club.
Mikel Arteta is unhappy with how slow the negotiations has gone and wants Aubameyang’s future to be sorted out as quickly as possible, urging the club to accept his demands.