Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is truly a wanted man.

• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Stats have been impressive for the Gunners.

• Arsenal might have to sell one of their most important players this summer to prevent him leaving on a free transfer.

• Rumors have emerged in recent weeks suggesting that European heavyweights have stepped up their pursuit of the Arsenal striker.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a transfer target for many clubs in Europe. [Getty]

Aubameyang transfer rumours have been on the rise since the COVID-19 shutdown.

Real Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona, and a few other elite clubs in Europe are reportedly interested in Gunners captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Well, with the qualities Aubameyang possesses, it is difficult to ignore the fact his current contract at the Emirates is set to expire next summer. Since the coronavirus chaos, several European heavyweight clubs have stepped up their pursuit of the former Dortmund striker. Don Balon reports that Manchester City are the new side who are also considering securing the services of the former Borussia Dortmund hitman to keep in the Premier League. A few days ago it was west London club Chelsea, who various tabloids reported were also interested in the Gabon international, despite manager Mikel Arteta saying he would like the Gunners board to do whatever they can to keep Aubameyang at the club. Rumours has it that Real Madrid inquired about Aubameyang's availability last week as the striker's future remains in doubt.

More: Arsenal boss Arteta has been told to find Nicolas Pepe's best spot.

More: Chelsea Closing On Barcelona attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

Arsenal see the 30-year-old as a key member of the club going forward and want to hand him a new contract extension, but may cash in on the forward rather than run the risk of letting him leave on a free transfer in the future. The Arsenal talisman is thought to be keen for a move away from the Emirates, and the expected cost for his would-be suitors is around £52m. Negotiations with Arsenal under Unai Emery were put on hold and there have been no signs as of late that Auba, who has been in fine form under Arteta, will put pen to paper on a new deal, though, the striker has often said he is happy at the club. Aubameyang has netted 61 goals in 97 games for Arsenal since he joined from Bundesliga club Dortmund in 2017, and was on 17 goals this season before the COVID-19 pandemic.

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