Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants talks over a new contract for top goalscorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang resolved as he delivered another clear message to the club’s hierarchy.
Aubameyang produced yet another reminder of his importance to the team with a two-goal display in the Gunners’ 2-0 defeat of Manchester City in their FA Cup semi-final clash on Saturday.
The Gabon striker now has the chance to win his first piece of silverware since moving to the Emirates from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018, having scored 66 times in just 106 games for Arsenal since.
But Arsenal are still not sure whether or not they will be able to count upon the 31-year-old frontman’s services next term, with his current deal set to expire in 2021.
If Aubameyang does not sign a new deal, the north London outfit are likely to look for a buyer this summer to avoid losing their most valuable player for nothing when they are already scrambling for finances.
The striker, who has 25 goals in all competitions this term, appears happy at Arsenal but is believed to want an increase in pay to £250,000 a week to stay.
Arsenal do not have Champions League football to offer next season and will seemingly have to bend to Aubameyang’s financial demands to avoid the monumental setback of losing his talents.
Speaking after the win over City at Wembley, Arteta admitted the fact Arsenal do not yet know whether they will have the extra cash from European football next season leaves them unable to commit to any long-term plans.
He said: “Listen, we have had a lot of conversations and we always agreed with the plan that we have in place, and the current vision is very clear.
“It’s about the possibilities that we are going to have and at the moment we have some uncertainties.
“The way we finish the season, if we are in Europe or we win it [the FA Cup], it will obviously help because financially we will be stronger and that’s why we have to be a little bit patient.”
And the Spanish coach, speaking ahead of Tuesday night’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa, has admitted his comments were a reference to Aubameyang, with Arsenal yet to agree a new deal with their prized asset.
But he has urged the club’s board to do what they can to get an extension sorted as quickly as possible.
“When I was talking about the uncertain things we have on the table, obviously he is one of them,” Arteta admitted.
“Another one is where are we going to finish and whether we are going to be playing in Europe or not which is going to have an impact.
“Then the situation with the market, how it’s going to develop.
“With Auba, I think I’ve been very clear with what I want.
“The quicker we do it, for me personally, the better because the player will be more focused, more determined and more calm.
“But we have to respect the timings as well as the needs the football club has.”
The Arsenal manager was also asked if he would prefer to be in the situation of Chelsea boss Frank Lampard, with whom he will go head-to-head in the FA Cup final on August 1.
Lampard has been backed with the signings of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, while deals could also be completed for Ben Chilwell and Kai Havertz among others.
Arteta said: “irst of all, I think Frank is doing a really good job. He took a difficult situation after the ban they had, that context is different to ours, I am happy to see him do so well.
“I will face him in the [FA Cup] final and the challenge will be difficult for both.
“[But] I’m very happy with the environment I have, the communication I have with the people at the club and with the plan we are putting together.”