Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang considered transfer before two factors changed mind
Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signed a new contract this summer to put transfer speculation over his future to bed.
Link copiedBookmark
Arsenal: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang announces new contract
Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has outlined the two main reasons why he signed a new contract at the Emirates this summer. Barcelona had been interested in the Gabon international in the transfer window.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
"I think that was important because it matched my game and I feel that I can improve with him. I think this was the key factor and as well, the love that I receive from the fans and the whole club.
"Everyone is treating me very, very good, so I feel at home and that's why I'm staying.
"We had a chat during lockdown and we were supposed to talk about a game and he said 'okay, forget about it, we're going to talk about the future' and he asked me what I wanted to do.
"I was like 'I feel good since you came, I'm improving, and the philosophy is very, very nice so I just want to stay' and he was like 'I'm sure if you stay you can leave a legacy, but it's all about you and what you want.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is happy at Arsenal (Image: GETTY)
“Of course you can leave and go for trophies in big clubs as well but I think you can create a legacy here in this great club.'
"This was the key message to me and after that conversation I was like 'okay, it's all clear for me and I just want to stay' and that's it."
Speculation grew over Aubameyang's future, with several clubs in Europe looking to snap up the goalplundering forward.
If Arsenal could not tie him down to a new deal, the Gunners would have had to consider bids - having been in the situation before.
Sanchez ran down his contract, and ended up forcing a move to Manchester United, while Mesut Ozil was in the same boat and earned himself a £350,000-a-week contract - which Arsenal are still paying today.
When pressed on whether he considered leaving the Emirates, Aubameyang added: "I was thinking about it to tell you the truth because I had good opportunities as well.
"But this feeling to be here - the love from the fans and all the club - I'm not sure that by leaving I will receive the same love, so that's why I'm staying.
"I'm really proud to be the captain but it's not the biggest factor to stay. Of course, it's a great job to do but it was not a part of me staying here."
This article contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission on any sales of products or services we write about. This article was written completely independently, see more details here