Paul Merson admits he can understand why Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would want to leave Arsenal amid speculation the forwards has pulled out of talks with the club over a new contract.
Aubameyang has developed into one of Arsenal’s most important players since signing from Borussia Dortmund last year, scoring an impressive 53 goals in 83 appearances.
The Gabon international’s influence at the Emirates was underlined last month when former manager Unai Emery named him Arsenal’s new captain following Granit Xhaka’s axing.
Despite being handed the captain’s armband, Aubameyang has reportedly withdrawn from talks with Arsenal over a contract extension and is ready to leave the club next summer.
It is claimed the 30-year-old is ‘deeply frustrated’ with the club’s lack of progress and is desperate to win trophies, an unlikely scenario at the Emirates as things stand.
When it was put to him that Aubameyang wanted to leave, Arsenal legend Merson told Sky Sports: ‘Of course he does.
‘Why would he want to stay? They’re not winning anything.’
Freddie Ljungberg was placed in temporary charge of Arsenal following Emery’s sacking and Aubameyang tipped the club to climb the table under the Gunners hero.
‘He can give us something special,’ the striker said after his brace helped Arsenal draw 2-2 with Norwich City last weekend. ‘If I’m not wrong, he was part of the Invincibles.
‘His career speaks for itself. We will try to follow him and give the best for him. Everybody is respectful of Freddie.
‘He played for Arsenal, he knows as a player how we feel. It’s interesting to have him.
‘We will see this week what is going to happen. I think it’s good for us. He played for Arsenal and he has this in his heart.’
Following the Norwich draw, Arsenal were beaten at home by Premier League relegation-battlers Brighton. The Gunners face West Ham on Monday night.
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