Arsenal must act NOW over Aubameyang to avoid losing him on a free like Aaron Ramsey, says Gunners legend Nicholas
ARSENAL have to act quickly if they are to avoid losing Pierre-Emerick Aubamyang on a free transfer like they did with Aaron Ramsey, says Charlie Nicholas.
Former Gunners midfielder Ramsey joined Serie A champions Juventus on a free transfer last summer after 11 years at the Emirates and now club legend Nicholas warns the same could happen again with their star striker.
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In recent months 30-year-old year old Aubameyang has been heavily linked with a move away from Arsenal, even though he has been a huge hit for the club since arriving in 2018 from German giants Borussia Dortmund for £56million.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United are among the clubs keeping an eye on him.
Now Nicholas has spoken to Sky Sports on a video, warning that Mikel Arteta could lose the star if they do not make a prompt decision on the Arsenal captain’s future.
Nicholas said: ”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?
”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.
”You renew his contract, you top his contract up and length, and then that means he is still a very valuable and sell-able asset.
”So, it’s a win win for Arsenal in that respect.
”Whether it’s Aubameyang that comes back to Arsenal and says it’s not about money, he could play that game…’Real Madrid, Barcelona are really interested in me.’
”I don’t see Liverpool and I don’t see Man City coming and purchasing Aubameyang, and maybe Manchester United I don’t know. “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.”
The Arsenal hotshot, who has scored an impressive 61 goals in 97 game, ,has just 12 months left on his current contract and has so far stalled on singing a new deal.
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Nicholas also suggested cashing in on Shkodran Mustafi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
”If nothing more is in the pot, sell to rebuild. You can get rid of Schodran Mustafi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who has been out on loan. This will all help to filter through, so there are easy things to do.”
There has been some talk about who could replace Aubameyang at Arsenal.
Real Madrid’s Luka Jovic and Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele are among those linked with a move, with both struggling to make an impact with the LaLiga giants.