Unai Emery has confirmed that Arsenal have opened talks with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette over new contracts.
However the Arsenal head coach has insisted that progress in those discussions is not his concern and that he will allow technical director Edu and head of football Raul Sanllehi to lead negotiations while he focuses on their performances on the pitch.
football.london revealed plans in June for talks over extensions with the pair. Aubameyang's contract runs out in the summer of 2021 whilst Lacazette has a further 12 months left on his terms.
It was reported earlier this month that both players had signed new contracts though that is not the case and there is no imminent expectation that an agreement will be announced. However Arsenal are optimistic that the pair can be retained.
That would be a major boost for Emery, who side got nearly half of their 112 goals last season from the duo. Aubameyang scored 31 in all competitions, Lacazette 19. No other player scored more than six.
"Of course, for us, they are very important players and their contracts need to be in the same balance, as a player with us, and also with the contracts with the club," Emery said. "But it's one circumstance, one issue now, that the club is working on.
"Now Edu is here for that reason. There's also Raul [Sanllehi] and Huss Fahmy, working with the players for that.
"Really, really, for me... it's important for them, but my focus is on preparing the matches, each training session, and making sure the players are focused and concentrated for us and on the work.
"I want the best for the club, I want the best for the players. I think if the club and they are speaking about that, it's perfect."
Lacazette is expected to return to the side that will take on Burnley on Saturday after missing the 1-0 win over Newcastle United, in which Aubameyang scored the only goal, with an ankle injury.
