Arsenal chiefs have been left unimpressed by Barcelona’s persistent attempts to unsettle Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with the striker’s future still hanging in the balance.
Aubameyang is about to enter the final year of his contract and has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Camp Nou, with Barcelona in the market for a new striker.
Arsenal may be forced to cash in this summer if the Gabon international won’t put pen to paper on a new deal or else they risk losing him on a free transfer in a year’s time.
Barcelona have spent months mulling over a move for Aubameyang and Arsenal are furious for the manner in which they’ve unsettled the attacker.
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However, Arsenal’s hopes of keeping hold of him have been strengthened by Barcelona’s decision to pursue Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez.
The La Liga giants have opened the bidding for the 22-year-old Argentina international and saw a £65million offer knocked back, according to the Daily Star.
But a follow-up bid is expected and Martinez – who has a buyout clause of £102m – is their top summer target.
Barcelona are confident of luring him away from Serie A this summer and won’t move for Aubameyang until they have explored every avenue to land Martinez, who has scored 16 goals in 31 appearances for his club this season.
Aubameyang, by contrast, has bagged 20 goals in 32 appearances in the Premier League and Europa League.
Mikel Arteta plans to sit down with the 30-year-old for talks over his future before the season ends.
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