Mikel Arteta has called on Arsenal's board to speed up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's contract talks as they seek a solution to the striker's future.
The Gunners boss has long spoken about his desire to keep hold of his leading goalscorer.
Aubameyang has entered the final 12 months of his deal leaving the north Londoners in a difficult situation.
Arteta has cautioned the Arsenal hierarchy against offloading their best players and even pushed for them to spend this summer if they want to close the gap on the Premier League's elite.
And he is pushing for a resolution on Aubameyang's future as he prepares for an FA Cup Final.
He said: "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, more calm.
"But we have to respect the timings as well and the means that the football club has."
Aubameyang scored both goals in Arsenal's 2-0 win over Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday.
The Gabon international has now bagged 25 goals in all competitions - more than double that of his nearest competitor.
But Arteta is confident, despite the prolonged process, that the 31-year-old will remain at the Emirates.
"I don't know, to put a date right now is very difficult," he said when asked about a date.
"I like the way the conversations are going, I like what I'm hearing. I'm sure for both parties, the quicker we can do it, the better for everyone.
"I am confident he will extend his stay."
Aubameyang recently broke Thierry Henry's club record for fastest player to 50 Premier League strikers - further underlining his potency.
