Alan Smith has urged Mikel Arteta to convince Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to stay at Arsenal and sign a new deal at the club.
Gabon forward Aubameyang has developed into one of Arsenal’s most important players since signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2018, scoring 61 goals in 96 appearances for the Gunners.
The 30-year-old was named Arsenal’s new captain at the end of last year but could leave the club this summer, with his current contract set to expire in 2021.
A number of clubs are interested in signing Aubameyang and Arsenal hero Smith believes it is imperative that Arteta persuades the forward to stay put.
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‘He’s been so important to this Arsenal side simply because of his goals output,’ Smith told Sky Sports. ‘He’s got a fantastic scoring ratio and is one of the best finishers in the Premier League.
‘In my opinion, he’s one of the best finishers in the game at the moment. He’s got that scoring knack and can score all types of goals.
‘There aren’t many of those types of players around and if you can find one, they cost an awful lot of money. That’s what makes the situation with Aubameyang very difficult for Arsenal.
‘In an ideal world, you wouldn’t want to lose a player like that.’
The former Gunners striker added: ‘When players’ contracts actually finish with the present health crisis is obviously a factor but the best outcome for the club would be to get him to sign a new deal.
‘They would have a committed player who always gets you goals. He’s a fit lad, so he’s still got a good two or three years left at the top level.
‘A new deal would be the ideal situation because he can help Arsenal, with additions to the team elsewhere, get back to the big time.
‘Persuading the player that his future lies at Arsenal would be the best outcome.’
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