Arsenal have informed various top European clubs of the availability of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to a report.

The Daily Mail claim Arsenal have let a number of European teams know that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is available for a transfer as early as this month.

The striker’s potential exit is obviously complicated, given he’s away with Gabon preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations, and his wages are an issue for potential buyers. But it looks like Arsenal are preparing to move him on.

Closer to home, The Telegraph also claim Arsenal want to move Aubameyang on, and Newcastle United are in the mix. His wages and AFCON absence are described as “likely to put Newcastle off”, but they’re not ruling it out completely.

This follows a report from the Mirror that Newcastle had sounded out Arsenal over a potential loan for Aubameyang – with a £20m option to buy.

From an Arsenal point of view, it would be better if Aubameyang went abroad.

The Gunners have no real reason to help Newcastle try to avoid relegation, and Aubameyang’s goals could come back to haunt them if he stays in England.

There’s also the fact that though Aubameyang would bring goals, and he’d probably appreciate the fresh start, joining Newcastle would be a step down into an unappealing relegation scrap.

It would be better for all parties if a major European player came in with a big bid. As of yet, that hasn’t happened.