Inter Milan have joined Barcelona in the race to sign Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to the Mirror.

The Gunners are resigned to losing the Gabon international after he refused to sign a contract extension earlier in the season, and may cash in on the forward before his contract expires in the summer of 2021.

The 30-year-old has scored 56 goals in 89 games for Arsenal and his form has alerted some of Europe's most prestigious clubs to his availability.

Inter Milan and Barcelona are considering bids for Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Aubameyang was handed the captain's armband in a bid to keep the Gabon star committed to the cause as Arsenal try to turn their poor season around. In the short term, the striker has pledged his commitment to the cause for the remainder of the season.

Aubameyang is desperate to be playing Champions League football next season, but the prospect of Mikel Arteta's side rubbing shoulders with Europe's elite come September are looking slim, leaving the Arsenal captain to weigh up his options.

Sunday's dramatic defeat to London rivals Chelsea leaves the Gunners in lowly 12th position, 11 points behind the Champions League places.

New Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is looking to rebuild his squad over the course of the season

However, there is still hope Arsenal can qualify for club football's elite competition via the Europa League, with a round of 32 tie against Olympiacos to take place in February.

New boss Arteta, who returned to the Gunners earlier this month, risks losing two big name players in the dressing room in the coming months in Aubameyang and Granit Xhaka as he looks to steady the ship.

The Swiss midfielder is believed to be close to the exit door after his agent revealed a deal with German club had been agreed. Arsenal are still holding out for a larger fee to be agreed for the former captain, who they signed for £35million.

Xhaka has endured a tough season, which culminated in a very public bust up with the Arsenal faithful as he was substituted against Crystal Palace, in which he threw his arms in the air in frustration and told fans to 'f*** off' at hearing jeers from them