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Alan Smith urges Arsenal to do all they can to keep Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Arsenal have been by club legend, Alan Smith, to do all they can to ensure Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stays put at The Emirates this summer.
The Gabon striker has been key once again for the Gunners this season. He’s hit 19 Premier League goals already and is on course yet again to win the Golden Boot.
However, a number of rumours continue to circle when it comes to Aubameyang’s future. And with just a year left on his current deal and no sign of a new contract being agreed just yet, Smith, , has urged his former club to act now.
“Forget about trying to find someone who can do what Aubameyang does. That’s impossible because it costs way too much. Instead, you’re looking at potential, something to nurture over the next few years.
“If there’s half a chance of persuading Aubameyang to stay, as [Mikel] Arteta hints, the club have got to grab it. Others can be sacrificed, others can be sold, but not this fella. The team is far too reliant on his nose for goal.”
The Gunners have had a good week in the last seven days. After progressing to the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a win over Sheffield United, they then comfortably saw off Norwich in PL action.
Aubameyang, of course, was right in the mix against Norwich. The 31-year-old bagging twice and laying on another to underline his importance to the cause.
Smith is bang on, it would cost more to replace than a new deal would – TBR View
Alan Smith is normally measured and sensible in his comments and this is another example of that.
He is bang on the money. Arsenal, even though they might not want to pay the big wages for ‘Auba’, would have to fork out even more on someone to do what he does as a replacement.
Even then, you are taking a chance. Therefore, Arteta simply has to try and convince his man to stay put.
With a young team around him, Aubameyang has a real chance to be the experienced head leading an exciting new team to glory in the coming seasons.