Aubameyang: I rejected Barcelona offer to stay at Arsenal

Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang said he turned down offers from multiple clubs, including Barcelona, before signing a new contract this summer to remain with the Premier League side.

His name was mentioned in various transfer rumors, but Aubameyang's relationship with manager Mikel Arteta, among other factors, convinced the Gabonese striker to stay put.

"There were several offers, notably from Barca, but also other clubs," Aubameyang told Canal+, as translated by ESPN. "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, and as I am one of their own, I am going to stay here. It is as simple as that."

The 31-year-old's improved deal reportedly pays him over £200,000 per week, a healthy increase on his previous £180,000-a-week wage package.

Aubameyang has been one of the most prolific players in the Premier League since arriving in north London from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018, scoring 55 league goals in that time.