Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to find a swift resolution to their contract talks with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, pointing out the effect a new deal would have on his player’s mindset and describing it as a case of “the quicker the better”.
Aubameyang has scored five times in his past six games, including the double that defeated Manchester City and took Arsenal to the FA Cup final, but his long-term position remains unclear and as things stand he will be a free agent in just over 11 months. Negotiations over an extension have not moved especially quickly, despite Arteta’s public optimism that it will be secured, and the manager outlined the added certainty that an agreement would bring.
“When I was talking about the uncertain things that we have on the table, obviously he’s one of them,” Arteta said. “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 of the football club.”
Arsenal visit Aston Villa on Tuesday and, while there has been much focus on the FA Cup’s purpose as a gateway to the Europa League, wins in their final two top-flight matches would give them a good chance of achieving that end before they face Chelsea at Wembley. Arteta confirmed Mesut Özil was back training, a back injury the reason given for his recent absence, and did not rule out a return to the matchday squad. “Like every player that is training,” he replied when asked whether Özil stood a chance of being selected.
Özil has not kicked a ball competitively since March and was dropped before his fitness issues. Matteo Guendouzi has been in a similar position, missing the past eight games and training alone for disciplinary reasons, but Arteta suggested both players could draw on the example of Granit Xhaka – who seemed certain to leave in January but has been excellent in recent weeks.
“I think he is a really good example for any player that is in a difficult moment,” he said. “If you are willing and consistent and you really want to do it there is always a way back.”
Asked whether that applied to Özil and Guendouzi, he continued: “That applies for any player and any member of the staff. All players know this. If you show that, that you decide to do the best not only for yourself but for the team and for the club, I think everyone will welcome you. It’s not just me that needs to give the green light, it’s everybody that has to be supportive.”
Shkodran Mustafi sustained a hamstring injury against City and will miss the trip to Villa. He is being assessed and may yet be a doubt for the cup final. Eddie Nketiah will return from suspension while Cédric Soares, cup-tied on Saturday, is in contention to start.