Former Arsenal star Bacary Sagna has advised the Gunners to keep hold of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at all costs. The Gabon international has been the club’s leading performer over the past couple of years and he has netted 61 goals from nearly 100 appearances across all competitions.

Despite this, the club have not made any progress in the Premier League and they are currently stranded in the ninth spot with the prospect of missing out on the Champions League for the fourth-straight season. Amidst this, there have failed to find the breakthrough in the contract talks with Aubameyang but Sagna has urged them to do everything possible to keep Aubameyang, who he considers as the best striker in the league.

“He can’t go now because Arsenal are on the way to building something strong. They can’t afford to lose him. If they have to pay him, then just pay him because if they want someone else of his quality they cost £150m. So don’t spend this £150m, just spend £50m and give it to him. It’s the same as [Robin] van Persie and I think you have to learn from that situation. Auba deserves it. I’m not saying that because of his name or because he has scored a few goals. He’s the best striker in the league,” he told Goal.com.

Aubameyang has less than 15 months remaining on his existing deal with the Gunners and so far, there has been no progress in renewal talks despite the forward stating his commitment towards the club. The 30-year-old recently said that he is really happy and honoured to represent the north London side and the fans will be hoping that the board can meet his wage demands when the season resumes after the coronavirus shutdown. Meanwhile, there are suggestions that Alexandre Lacazette could head through the exit door during the summer as he does not fit into the style of play under Mikel Arteta.