Arsenal: Pundit praises Aubameyang after Everton win
Mikel Arteta will have to let Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leave Arsenal this summer if he does not sign a new contract, says former England manager Sam Allardyce. Arsenal top scorer Aubameyang is out of contact at the Emirates at the end of next season. The Gabon international could therefore leave for free in 18 months if an extension is not agreed.
Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta has been told he may have to sell Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer (Image: GETTY/TALKSPORT)
“He’s got 18 months left on his contract, so if he doesn’t sign a new deal this summer, they'll have to sell him.
“That would be a great shame for Arsenal fans and Arsenal, because what he’s done in goal terms has been absolutely miraculous.
“He is quality. He’s one of the few strikers who loves to run in behind, he doesn’t want to come to feet, he wants balls played down the channel, he gets on the end of it and slots them away.”
Allardyce has also revealed he tried to sign Aubameyang when he was Everton boss and the striker was at Dortmund.
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Arteta understands why Aubameyang would attract interest from some of Europe’s top clubs but is hopeful his captain will decide Arsenal is the right place for him.
"The [clubs who want him] are completely right because he is a superb player," said Arteta.
"He completely deserves to be liked by all the other teams. Hopefully we can convince him that this is the right place for him and that he has a future here.
"Hopefully [the wins will help] but as well what we are trying to do. Does he really enjoy walking out onto the pitch every time he goes?
“It’s very much part of what we are trying to build here and I think he is with that mindset at the moment.”