The future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hangs in the balance even if Arsenal F.C. alleges they are ready to offer the Gabon national an official contract. Things just got more complicated when the 31-year-old drew interest from Barcelona. Now, he is making the Gunners wait so he can decide where he will play next season.
But it appears his father, Francois-Pierre Aubameyang, may have given a glimpse of things to come. He sent a reply on his son's Instagram post and now people are tying up with a past occurrence. The key phrase is "watches the grain." For those who have been keeping tabs with Aubameyang, this is the same one that the dad used before Pierre-Emerick moved from Borussia Dortmund to Arsenal F.C. in 2018.
"They speak a lot in the press, they do not know that we are Bantu and that there is a hierarchy the decision is taken after the advice of the wise man who is your father," part of the post read. "We will be set very soon, sleep peacefully my son, your father watches the grain. I love you."
Of course, the comment may mean something or nothing. But the fact that his dad plays a key role in his dealings, some are now speculating that Aubameyang could be on his way out of Emirates Stadium. For now, this should be taken with a grain of salt.
As for the Gunners, they only have themselves to blame if Aubameyang opts to jump ship. Talks had started since before the COVID-19 pandemic and nothing close to a deal happened. It took Mikel Arteta to get upper management to get moving, something that may have come a bit too late.
Barcelona is considering Aubameyang if they fail in their pursuit of Lautaro Martinez. The financial capacity of Barca could stand in the way and Blaugrana is now looking at alternatives. Inter Milan is reportedly demanding $115 million for Martinez. Thus, it all boils down to whether the Catalan giants can provide a better offer than what the Gunners plan to make.
The Arsenal offer will reportedly see Aubameyang get $317,000 a week in wages. This is allegedly what the Gabon captain wants aside from bonuses. There has been no official word on how much Barcelona plans to pitch to the 31-year-old player.
Before the entry of Barca into the picture, all signs pointed to an Aubameyang re-signing. But after being made to wait, the Gabon national is now exploring all options before making a final decision.
