Paul Merson admits that it would be a ‘major disaster’ for Arsenal if they lost Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – but the decision is not without its complications.
With just over a year to run on his contract at the Emirates Stadium, Aubameyang is thought to be the subject of high demand this summer.
Barcelona and Manchester United have both been linked with a move for the Gabon captain, who could leave the Gunners on a free transfer in 2021.
In his latest column for Sky Sports, former Arsenal midfielder Merson said: "It would be a major disaster for Arsenal if they lost Aubameyang.
"However, the decision will be weighed up and at least it will be the club’s decision as to what they do.
“Do they give him £300,000-a-week? I’ve always said they will have a problem until Mesut Ozil leaves the club. Every day he’s there, every other top player will want what he’s on.
"It's a huge problem and not a new one.
"If they want to keep Aubameyang they will have to pay him big money, but Arsenal may look at it and think if we give him £300,000-a-week for the next two or three years, is he going to be the same player?
"He’s nearly 31 and by the time he’s 34 he’s not going to be the same player. I don’t care who you are, at 34 you are not the same player."
Merson, who made over 300 appearances for the Gunners between 1985 and 1997, added: "Arsenal may also weigh it up asking if they will win the Premier League or get into the top four in the next few years if they pay Aubameyang £300,000-a-week.
“They haven’t actually done it yet with him there, so they may look at it and say it is good business to let him go.
“There’s also the danger of giving him big money, just like they did with Ozil, and then every other player wanting the same.
"It would take you straight back to the Ozil scenario and if you do spend all that money on him and you don’t get into the top four it’s not money well spent.
“It’s a really hard decision and it will all come down to how the club weigh it up.”
