Former Arsenal striker Charlie Nicholas has called on the Gunners to negotiate a new deal with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or sell their star striker.
The Gabon forward moved to the Emirates Stadium in January 2018 and has been prolific in the Premier League, scoring 49 goals for the north London club.
However, he is yet to agree to a new deal at Arsenal and, with just one year remaining on his contract, is linked with a move away.
And Nicholas believes the club cannot delay in trying to get a contract extension over the line with their club captain.
“I would say to him (Aubameyang): ‘Is it money, is the salary you're looking for? Is that what we've got to do to keep you?’,” Nicholas told Sky Sports.
“Because if he says yes, then Arsenal should do the deal, and that means come when the season ends or when we're available to do transfers, then one or two sales will more than justify what his financial package may be.”
Aubameyang has scored 17 league goals this season and is second to Jamie Vardy in the top scorer rankings. His form has not gone unnoticed by Europe’s giant clubs, including Spanish duo Real Madrid and Barcelona and league rivals Manchester United.
Nicholas admitted that he could understand if the Gunners sold Aubameyang for the right price but insists that the club cannot lose him on a free next summer - as they did with Aaron Ramsey last year when the Wales star moved to Juventus.
“I don't see Liverpool and I don't see Man City coming and purchasing Aubameyang, and maybe Manchester United I don't know,” Nicholas added.
“But I would say if the two Spanish giants were serious and were looking at buying him I could understand that and Arsenal should cash in.
“But don't leave it like Aaron Ramsey. Either give him the deal, or you have to sell him. Only two ways to do it.”
