There are reports in England that Arsenal have now decided to sell their striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the Gunners given up hope of keeping star.

According to the Dail Mail, the Mikel Arteta-tutored side have consequently shelved contract talks with the Gabon international.

Chelsea are reportedly watching the development with keen interest amid claim that Barcelona and Inter Milan are equally circling.

The Gunners have already agreed a 12.5 percent wage cut with the majority of their players, but the financial consequences of the coronavirus crisis will also have a knock-on effect on the club’s contract negotiations.

The striker earns in the region of £200,000 per week and wants a significant upgrade on his current deal to sign an extension.

He also wants to recommence his Champions League career – an unlikely scenario in time for next season.

But given the financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus, there appears little hope at the moment of the club offering Aubamenyang a significantly improved deal.

The striker’s deal expires at the end of next season and the problems facing Arsenal in their efforts to extend the former Borussia Dortmund star’s contract is likely to result in the Gunners having no option but listen to offers for their top goalscorer ahead of the new campaign to avoid losing him for nothing.