Arsenal hit hurdle in efforts to offload highly paid outcast

Arsenal may be forced to continue paying some of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s wages even if he is loaned out this month, according to reports. 

Speaking to Sky Sports, David Ornstein revealed that the Gunners may struggle to convince clubs to take on the Gabon international’s full wages this month, and may therefore have to carry on paying a percentage of the striker’s wages.

The ex-Borussia Dortmund man was stripped of the captaincy and dropped from the Arsenal squad by Mikel Arteta after a disciplinary breach, and is yet to return to the squad.

With that in mind, Arteta is reportedly looking to offload the 32-year-old this month, although Ornstein suggests that Arsenal will have to draw up a plan which could include shouldering some of the financial load if they are to find a suitable club.

Aubameyang hasn’t played for Arsenal since December 6

One club who have already made their interest in the player known is Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, who would even be willing to pay his entire wages, although it is unlikely that the player would agree to the move.

The striker has returned to London early having been on international duty with Gabon at the African Cup of Nations, with the country’s FA citing an irregularity with his heart as the reason for his premature return.

Ornstein also suggests that Paris Saint-Germain have been credited with an interest in the player, and it is believed that the French giants are seen by Aubameyang as a more attractive prospect.

Arsenal’s striking crisis was highlighted in Thursday evening, as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at The Emirates.

The report also highlights that, if a deal for Aubameyang cannot be agreed this month, Arteta will be faced with the dilemma of whether or not to reintegrate the experienced striker into his struggling Gunners side.