The next step in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's football career has yet to be known although the Gabon captain may have sent off hints of things to come. The 31-year-old put some posts on social media recently, teasing that he may be staying with Arsenal F.C. And if they mean anything, an official announcement could be coming soon.
Aubameyang caused quite a stir when he put up a post on Twitter showing an hourglass. It seemed to hint that a deal has already been done and that a formal announcement would be made soon. Though that could mean anything, the post got even more interesting when his father put up a video on Instagram.
In that post, Francois-Pierre Aubameyang showed a video of him and his son taking a drive with Pierre-Emerick sporting an Arsenal shirt. Combining both social media posts, it seems pretty obvious that something big had already gone down.
Before these latest developments, there were at least two clubs who were interested in the Gabon national. FC Barcelona was exploring possibilities with Aubameyang, placing him under consideration with original target Lautaro Martinez seemingly slipping away. Juventus was also considering the 31-year-old player but there were little to no updates concerning that interest.
But an Aubameyang stay at Emirates Stadium has long been believed. The Gabonese had shown in the past hints that he would be staying on. Since the football restart, he has been turning in great performances and such is the reason why clubs have taken notice.
If a deal is close to being announced, critics see a big pay raise. Aubameyang is earning $262,000 per week with the Gunners and those numbers are expected to shoot up. Though Mesut Ozil remains the club's highest-paid player, he could end up being the one with the biggest pay moving forward. Also, the German hold an uncertain future even though he said he plans to stay until the end of his deal with Arsenal in 2021.
This season, Aubameyang has scored 29 goals in 44 games. Pundits see his weekly wage to roughly be worth $327,000 per week aside from bonuses.
Aubameyang has found renewed life under the watch of Mikel Arteta. Some falling out was seen between him and Unai Emery before December but all that changed. With stronger tied with Arteta and the recent success the Gunners have had, extending his stay at Emirates Stadium is looming likely. Aubameyang is looking for a long-term deal as well, aware that this could be his last chance at a big contract due to his age.
