Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has warned the club that they will have to get back into the Champions League to keep hold of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to reports in Mirror.
The 30-year-old has been one of the most important players for the Emirates club over the past few years and has featured consistently on the score sheet. He has been in fine form this season but the striker’s contract comes to an end next summer.
Parlour feels that the North London club can keep him at the Emirates only by qualifying for the Champions League. According to Mirror, he said:
“Champions League football is so important for a lot of players these days so Aubameyang, if they can squeeze in there, might sign a new contract, I don’t know.
“If they don’t, then he might be on his way and suddenly you’ve got to replace a striker who scores all your goals.”
Arsenal have to decide whether they want to cash in on their talisman or they could run the risk of losing him for free just next summer similar to what happened with Aaron Ramsey. Aubameyang will soon turn 31 and his next contract could be the last big contract of his career.
Since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in a club-record deal, the forward has gone to become a revelation for the Gunners. If he was to leave North London, it would leave a huge void at the club that will be very difficult to replace.
The Gunners are currently in 9th place with a game in hand but that will be against Manchester City which is going to be tough to win. If the Gunners somehow manage to get a win there, they could make a late charge towards the Champions League spots.
And the contributions from Aubameyang will be crucial if the North London club are to get anywhere near the Champions League positions. The club cannot have a repeat of the Ramsey situation so they will have to take a decision quickly as to what they want to do with their prized asset.
