Arsenal urged to break bank to stop Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer: 'He's the best striker in the league'
Arsenal "cannot afford" to lose star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the summer transfer window, says Bacary Sagna.
Aubameyang has been synonymous with the club since arriving from Borussia Dortmund for a club-record £55 million and his goals have been crucial, with 49 in 74 Premier League appearances.
The 30-year-old has been linked with a move to Barcelona and with his contract due to expire in June 2021, the Gunners are hoping to tie down the Gabonese striker to a new deal.
But Aubameyang is reportedly stalling on penning fresh terms, with the Gunners unable to guarantee Champions League football next season following their Europa League exit.
And Sagna, who played for the club for seven years before leaving for Manchester City in 2014, believes the north London club must pull out their chequebook and give Aubameyang a lucrative deal to convince him to stay.
“He can’t go now because Arsenal are on the way to building something strong,” Sagna told Goal.
“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."
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