Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes that Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could refuse to extend their deals at the Emirates Stadium if the club’s current slump continues.
Arsenal are in the midst of their worst form since Unai Emery took over as Gunners boss, going six games without a win in all competitions after dropping points at home to lowly Southampton on Saturday.
The result leaves Arsenal well off the pace in the hunt for a top-four place in the Premier League, and pressure has been mounting on Emery.
Writing in the Daily Mail, Keown believes that the Gunners risk losing their prized assets if they continue to be unsuccessful – suggesting that their star strikers may not sign new contracts with the club making a lack of progress.
He said: “Alarm bells must be ringing at Arsenal.
“This is currently a sinking ship and the fans made their feelings known at full time.
“Arsenal are lost at the moment. If they decide to stick with Emery, then the manager has big decisions to make himself.
“I warned against Arsenal signing David Luiz in August and I wonder if he should be taken out of the team now. Certainly, star players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Lacazette will not be signing extensions unless things change.”
Despite Arsenal not reaching their ultimate aim of qualifying for the Champions League last season, Aubameyang and Lacazette contributed a combined 50 goals to the cause in the 2018/19 campaign – but with no reward for their efforts (apart from another year of Europa League football).
With the side’s European status currently hanging in the balance, such is the congested nature of the Premier League table, the chances of Arsenal achieving their aims this time around look arguably bleaker as they trail the fourth Champions League spot by eight points a month before Christmas.
Aubameyang will have 18 months remaining on his deal come January, while Lacazette’s contract is not due to expire for a further year (according to Transfermarkt).
Considering the club’s head of football Raul Sanllehi has previously suggested players will not be allowed to enter the final year of their deals, movement could be expected on Aubameyang’s contract soon – and with Arsenal not producing on the pitch (despite the striker’s club-high goal tally of nine), perhaps Keown is right to be wary of what the future holds.
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