Mikel Arteta has put a timeline on new contract talks for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to Indy Sport, and the progress of Gabriel Martinelli may have forced his hand.
The Independent claim that the Arsenal boss has decided that he wants to sit down with the Gabon striker and thrash out a new deal before the end of the season, with the 30-year old approaching the final 12 months of his current deal.
Having scored 17 goals in 25 games in the Premier League this season, the former Borussia Dortmund forward has been instrumental to the club’s limited success this season, and Arteta would ideally like to keep the forward.
However, with Martinelli waiting in the wings, perhaps Arsenal have come to realise that they don’t have such an immediate need to keep Aubameyang, leading to Arteta wanting to come to a solution sooner rather than later.
Described as a “talent of the century” by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, Martinelli’s impact after signing from Ituano in the summer has been surprising to say the least, with fans having sung the 18-year old’s praises on more than one occasion.
With Arteta having now pushed Aubameyang into the position where he will be forced to reckon with his future in the summer, perhaps Martinelli has made the Spaniard feel confident in his back-up options.
Should Aubameyang leave, the Arsenal boss may now feel less pressure than he would have done before, and that is down to the fact that Martinelli can replace him if required.
The Brazilian is quick and skilful, and having started just six times in the Premier League this season, now could be the time where the forward could begin to play a more starring role for Arsenal, as Arteta prepares for the possibility of Aubameyang leaving
