Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the subject of a transfer offer from Barcelona before he penned a new contract with Arsenal, it has been claimed.
Gabon international Aubameyang quelled the raging speculation surrounding his future by signing a new three-year deal with the Gunners on Tuesday.
Prior to committing his long-term future to the north Londoners, Aubameyang was on the radar of Spanish giants Barcelona.
It was claimed Barca viewed the in-form Aubameyang - who scored 29 goals in all competitions last season - to be the perfect replacement for the ageing Luis Suarez.
And according to Sky Sports , the Catalans "did make an offer" to try to lure the 31-year-old to the Nou Camp.
Despite missing out on the opportunity to play for one of Europe's elite clubs, Aubameyang is adamant he made the right call by pledging his future to the Gunners.
“Look at the guys that came in [this summer],” the former Borussia Dortmund man said in an interview with Ian Wright. “I think we can do something very big.
“And also the young players as well, they are coming like fire and this is why I stay. Because I know we have something to do.
“I said a few months ago that the best is to come for sure, for Arsenal. It's time for everyone to respect our club.”
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta played a key role in convincing Aubameyang not to move on to pastures new.
“He was straight and honest and that’s what I like because we are always honest," Aubameyang said of his talks with the Spaniard.
“He said, ‘Okay, you can maybe leave. I don’t know what your mind is [thinking] right now, but you can leave and go for trophies at other clubs or you can stay here and have a legacy.' This, for me, was the key word.”
Aubameyang joined Arsenal from Dortmund in January 2018 for a then club-record fee of £56million.
The final signing of the Arsene Wenger era has proven to be a masterstroke from the Frenchman, with Aubameyang scoring 72 goals and providing 15 assists in 111 appearances for the club.
