Mikel Arteta is set to hold showdown talks with Arsenal duo Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, according to reports.
Both of the forwards haven’t committed themselves to new contracts at the Emirates, with the duo apparently unsettled at the club.
According to ESPN (via Mirror Sport), new Gunners boss Arteta is now set to sit down with both of the forwards indifuvually to discuss their respective immediate futures.
The Spanish coach sees both as integral to his plans, but he only wants them to play if they wish to be at Arsenal.
Aubameyang is the bigger issue with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, and with Real Madrid and Barcelona reportedly considering an approach.
Arteta sees both forwards as integral to the team, but only if they want to be at the club.
Read Arsenal Verdict
It would be a huge blow to the start of Arteta’s tenure if he was to lose not one but two key players for Arsenal.
I can understand Aubameyang’s doubts with the Gunners not guaranteed Champions League qualification again this season, but it would be devastating for the club to lose him for nothing at the end of the season, similarly to the Aaron Ramsey situation.
Lacazette has a longer contract, and whether he does want to remain in London or whether he wants to find a new club, he needs to buck up his ideas either way.
