Mikel Arteta has admitted Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's future is one of the “uncertain things” Arsenal need to resolve before planning their transfer spend this summer.
The forward, who scored twice during Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Manchester City, currently has just under one year to run on his contract.
Aubameyang is yet to decide his future, with the 31-year-old keen to see if Arsenal can challenge for honours over the coming years before committing to the club.
Arteta is keen for the forward to stay and sign a new deal as he begins to rebuild the club this summer.
The Spaniard is still waiting to see what he can spend in the summer window, though, with the financial impact of Covid-19 a factor and whether Arsenal qualify for the Europa League.
Aubameyang’s future, however, is also a factor too, with Arteta explaining they need to know what his plans are before Arsenal begin their rebuild.
“When I was talking about the uncertain things that we have on the table, obviously he is one of them,” said Arteta.
“And there is another one of where we are going to finish and whether we are going to be playing in Europe or not, which is going to have an impact.
“And then all this situation, the market and how it’s going to develop.
“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 and the needs that the football club has.”
