Mikel Arteta has told Arsenal’s board to do whatever it takes to keep Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the club this summer.
The former Borussia Dortmund striker, in a situation reminiscent of both Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez at the Emirates, is out of contract in 2021, leaving his future up in the air.
Aubameyang, 30, is desperate to play Champions League football, and under Unai Emery contract negotiations were ended.
But Aubameyang has been outstanding under Arteta, showing his importance to the club with his goals and also operating selflessly from the left side.
Additionally, he also made clear how much he is embracing the new direction in which the club is heading the head coach, working relentlessly both in attack and defence and leading by example.
Arsenal are keen to keep Aubameyang, but his contract situation leaves them in an awkward predicament - although club chiefs are now increasing their push.
Last week, Arteta insisted "I completely trust them [the club]" with regards the Aubameyang situation.
But speaking on Thursday, ahead of the Gunners’ London derby against West Ham this weekend, the Spaniard once more made clear his thoughts.
“We will have to do that [sort out his deal] before the end of the season,” said Arteta.
“I want to keep him in any circumstances.”
Aubameyang missed Arsenal's 2-0 FA Cup win over Portsmouth on Monday, having scored a fine overhead kick - his 20th of the season - in the Europa League loss to Olympiacos last Thursday.
However, that fine strike was overshadowed by a miss at the death, the Gabonese hitman firing wide a guilt-edged opportunity from six yards which would have sent his side into the next round.
But Arteta insists that, after a few days reflection, Aubameyang is back ready to fire this weekend.
"He was down and felt responsible about what happened [vs Olympiacos]," he added. "We need him happy and smiling and that’s what he’s been these few days.”
