Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s former agent, Oscar Damiani, has revealed that his then-client was close to a move to Napoli twice but the Italians couldn’t afford his wages.

“We must do a careful game, not like that of Napoli in the last two games. References were lost on defence. In London it will take a wise team,” Damiani told Radio Kiss Napoli.

“Napoli first wanted Aubameyang when he was at Saint-Etienne and then at Dortmund. He’s a fast player, [they] should be very careful.

“His 12 million net [salary] per year is too much for Naples.”

Arsenal paid £57.38m for the 29-year-old after agreeing a salary of £200kpw (£10.4m/€12m) to convince him to move to London.

It has been money well spent.

Since arriving, Auba has scored 32 goals (with 11 assists) in 55 games meaning he’s only played in 12 Arsenal games without directly contributing to a goal. Not that it works that way, but you get the picture.

Aubameyang is now represented by his father who was involved in the negotiations to bring him to Ashburton Grove.