X

    Arsenal 'Working On' Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette Contracts

    Gill Clark@@gillclarkyFeatured Columnist IIAugust 16, 2019

    BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - MAY 28: Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal during the Arsenal training session prior to the UEFA Europa League Final between Chelsea and Arsenal at Baku Olimpiya Stadionu on May 28, 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
    James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images

    Arsenal manager Unai Emery said Friday that the club is "working on" new contracts for strikers Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

    The duo have formed a prolific partnership up front for the Gunners, and Emery told reporters the club is trying to secure their long-term futures.

    "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," he said. "But it's one circumstance, one issue now, that the club is working on."

    Aubameyang joined the club from Borussia Dortmund in 2018, and his contract runs until 2021. He racked up 22 Premier League goals last season to land the Golden Boot:

    Arsenal @Arsenal

    Here it is! 🤩 Congratulations, Auba - @PremierLeague golden boot winner 2018/19 👏 https://t.co/GoSp8RJyEP

    The Gabon international linked up well with Lacazette to form one of Europe's most prolific strike partnerships:

    Football on BT Sport @btsportfootball

    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 🔥 27 goals, 7 assists Alexandre Lacazette: 💥 18 goals, 11 assists The best partnership in world football? https://t.co/sy7LKyW09z

    Aubameyang has spoken about his excitement at the prospect of playing with Lacazette and new signing Nicolas Pepe this season, per Simon Collings at the Evening Standard.

    Arsenal 'Working On' Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette Contracts
    Video Play Button
    ✨ Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content Right Arrow Icon

    "I don't want to compare it [to other strike partnerships I have been a part of], but it is going to be crazy," he said. "Everybody is excited about that. We will have time to play together and we will see. I am looking forward to it."

    Lacazette's Arsenal contract does not expire until 2022, and it has been reported that he is willing to wait to sign a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.

    LANDOVER, MD - JULY 23: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal during the International Champions Cup fixture between Real Madrid and Arsenal at FedExField on July 23, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
    Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

    The Frenchman is "desperate to play Champions League football" and believes the club will let him leave if they fail to reach the top four, according to John Cross at the Mirror.

    Arsenal missed out on securing a place in Europe's top competition last season. The club finished in fifth place in the table, a point behind north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

    Emery will be desperate to keep hold of the strikers given their importance to the team. However, the Gunners may need to be able to offer UEFA Champions League football if they are to keep hold of their star duo.