Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would only be joining Manchester United for the ‘money’ says Paul Merson

Paul Merson believes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would be choosing greed over ambition if he were to join Manchester United this summer.

The Arsenal captain is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium in 2021 and the two parties are yet to come close to agreeing fresh terms, and clubs like United have been linked with a move.

The main sticking point for the Gabon international – who attracted interest from Inter Milan and Barcelona in January – appears to be whether Arsenal will qualify for European football next season, with the club currently sitting ninth in the Premier League table.

Paul Merson says Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would only move to Man United for the money

The Arsenal captain’s contract at the club runs out in 2021 and he has stalled on a new deal

Manchester United meanwhile look set for at least a spot in the Europa League and are still in contention to make next season’s Champions League, but Merson does not believe that a move to Old Trafford would represent a step forward. 

‘I don’t think you can say Aubameyang would be going for ambition if he went to Manchester United,’ Merson told Sky Sports.

‘He’d be going for the money because he’s almost 31 and this would likely to be his last move. 

And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United are reportedly preparing a summer bid for Aubameyang

‘At the moment, you can’t say you are going to go to Manchester United and get guaranteed trophies. You won’t be able to guarantee United winning anything in the next two or three seasons. They are getting better but it’s not ambitions, it’s the money.

‘If it was Manchester City or Liverpool, that would be different. You’d be thinking of course, he’s ambitious and he wants to win things.

‘I’m not saying United won’t win things, but you can’t assure me of it. I can assure you Man City or Liverpool will in the next few years.’

But Merson believes the Gabon international would not be showing ambition by going there

However, if Aubameyang does choose to follow in the footsteps of fellow forward Robin van Persie – who left Arsenal for United in 2012 – Merson has no doubt that he would be a ‘perfect fit’ at Old Trafford.

‘They [Manchester United] are crying out for someone who is going to score them 20 to 25 goals,’ Merson added.

‘And that’s what Aubameyang can bring. Add a Grealish if they can get him and then you’ve got Bruno Fernandes as well playing in behind a striker, Manchester United will be a major force.’