Will our “Talisman” stay or go in the transfer window?

Will Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang play his final match for Arsenal on Saturday?

The thought of that makes me sick to my stomach. In my opinion, Auba is the Gunners’ heart and soul, our captain and leading goal scorer. In essence, he is our talisman.

When the season ends on Saturday, hopefully with an FA Cup trophy raised above his head, the club will launch into a full blown assault to get the striker to stay, and sign an extension to his current deal. Remember, if he stays one more year without signing a new deal this summer, he can leave next summer on a free transfer. Arsenal has been down that road too many times to let it happen again.

In recent days, Aubameyang’s father sent a few cryptic messages on Instagram that have Arsenal fans spinning. One post said, “We must make the right decision for the rest of your career. They speak a lot in the press, they do not know that there is a hierarchy the decision is taken after the advice of one wise man who is your father. We will set very soon, sleep peacefully my son, your father is watching the grain. I love you.”

I guess you can read a lot between the lines, but it’s obvious Auba’s father will be a principle player in the player’s next move and contract.

However, one a brighter note, this photo was taken at yesterday’s training, and appeared today on Instagram. Is Aubameyang teasing us, or will he indeed sign a new Arsenal contract?

Apparently, Auba was disappointed he couldn’t win a second Golden Boot, despite a two gaol performance on Sunday, however, wouldn’t it be great to see if Aubameyang could do it again in the next few years while still wearing the red and white of Arsenal?

At last report, Aubameyang was asking for a wage of $322,500 (USD) per week, plus other bonus incentives to stay. A big problem for Arsenal is their financial situation. A win on Saturday would help that cause by securing some Europa League funds, however, the Gunners have other holes to fill as well this summer. Will owner Stan Kroenke step up and lend a hand, or should I say hand over a few extra million to fatten up Mikel Arteta’s transfer treasury? I’m not optimistic this will happen, however, the Kroenke organization can only help bring Arsenal back to Champions League-level football by spending in the transfer market. Names like Partey, Coutinho, Willian and Upamecano will require large paychecks before signing on the dotted line with AFC.

So, the transfer saga officially begins. Who will be wearing the Arsenal shirt when the 20220-2021 season begins in September? Will Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang still be our talisman?

As his father watches the “grain,” I hope dad also remembers “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.”

Cheers, and stay healthy and safe!

Gunner1953