Those who follow the Arsenal transfer news closely will know that one name has featured more than others in recent days. Unfortunately for the Gunners, that name is their top goal-scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as he is linked with a move away from the club this summer, with many tabloids claiming even Chelsea is monitoring his situation now.

According to a new report from the Daily Mail, the Gunners have now put any potential contract talks with Aubameyang on hold, as they are now seemingly ready to listen to offers for him.

Of course, this should not come as a surprise given the current climate of the transfer market. The footballing world and indeed the real world is set to face an economic crisis like no other due to the Coronavirus outbreak. That said, clubs will have to make sacrifices in order to raise funds to sign their top transfer targets.

Arsenal know what they need to do to make improvements and build on their performances this season. If Arteta feels like Aubameyang is non-essential to these plans, then there’s no reason why Arsenal shouldn’t sell him. Of course, though, fans are not happy about the prospect.

Aubameyang has been Arsenal’s main source of goals since he arrived from Borussia Dortmund and he brought along with him an all-round positive aura. He would be missed by the Arsenal faithful if they had to let go of him, understandably.

The best-case scenario is to keep hold of Aubameyang, however, we know this is not always possible. Depending on his intentions, it would be second-best to lose him abroad and try to get as high a fee as possible out of him. Losing him to a direct league rival is not ideal, especially as fans have experienced this too much in the past.

Cover image: Paul Hudson, 2014