Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang confirms he had an offer to join Barcelona this summer, but chose to stay at Arsenal for two reasons.

Arsenal's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (R) celebrates scoring their third goal with Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder Willian (L) during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Arsenal at Craven Cottage in London on September 12, 2020. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / POOL / AFP)
Arsenal’s Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (R) celebrates scoring their third goal on September 12, 2020. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / POOL / AFP)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signed a three-year contract extension with Arsenal this summer, but he had the opportunity to accept an offer to leave for Barcelona instead.

All summer, the media linked Barcelona with a possible move for the Arsenal striker. The speculation grew after his strong end to the season, before we heard he was turning down the Catalan club to sign an extension.

Speaking to Canal Football Club this week, Aubameyang confirmed he really did have the option to join Barcelona. He chose to stay in North London instead, for a couple of reasons.

“There were several offers, notably from Barça, but also other clubs,” Aubameyang told Canal Football Club (via GFFN).

“My priority was to stay for two reasons: the first is the coach, Mikel Arteta, because we spoke a fair amount during the “lockdown” as they say here, we were at home and spoke several times and he convinced me, notably in terms of the project.

“And of course, secondly, is the love that I receive from the fans and people at the club. Since I have been here I have been treated like one of their own. As I am one of their own, I am going to stay here, it is as simple as that.”

Aubameyang is making a strong start to the season with Arsenal, scoring or assisting in each of his three games so far. He already helped the club lift another piece of silverware too, winning the Community Shield with a goal and the winner in the shootout.

Thankfully, Barcelona will have to continue to watch the Arsenal captain from afar.