Arsenal are reportedly reluctant to trigger the one-year extension in striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's contract due to financial concerns.
The Gabon international is into the final 12 months of his existing deal and has been touted as a possible target for La Liga giants Barcelona.
Arsenal have the option of renewing Aubameyang's terms to keep him at the Emirates Stadium until 2022, but The Athletic reports that they are stalling on doing so.
It is claimed that the Gunners' hierarchy are worried about the financial implications of paying the 31-year-old's hefty wages for a further year.
The same report indicates that concerns have been raised about the squad harmony being disrupted by keeping a player at the club who would rather be elsewhere.
Aubameyang has scored 27 goals for Arsenal in all competitions this season and has 68 in 108 appearances overall since joining from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018.
Daniel Lewis
