Mikel Arteta has hopeful that Arsenal reaching the FA Cup final will help persuade Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to sign a new contract.
Forward Aubameyang was the architect of the Gunners’ 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Wembley – as he grabbed a goal in each half to stun the holders.
That will set up an August 1 date with either Chelsea or Manchester United – and could determine whether the Gunners play in the Europa League or not next season.
Aubameyang is currently under contract at the Emirates until next summer, but the Gabon superstar heading into the final year of his deal could force the Gunners to cash in on him.
The 31-year-old is reportedly searching for a £250,000-a-week, three year, extension to his current agreement – but the two parties haven’t found a middle ground yet.
But manager Arteta reckons that the Gunners’ performances against City, and Liverpool, will help make the decision easier.
Arteta said: “Hopefully it will help him to be more convinced we are going in the right direction.”
He later continued: “I think if everybody has beautiful moments they are better than bad.
“The way he looks at it when I speak with him, he sounds pretty convinced.
“But if he can see the success and direction we are taking it is the right one, I think he’ll be more positive about it, yes.”
Arteta made comments about the lack of money at his disposal to improve his side to the levels of City and Liverpool last week.
After reaching the FA Cup final, he revealed he has held more talks with his board.
He said: “We are having a lot of internal conversations. It’s about the conditions we have. If we are in Europe it will help but we have to be patient.”
Arteta added about his team’s recent performances: “We’ve had an incredible week to beat the best two teams in Europe, it doesn’t happen every day.
“I don’t care who plays, I can trust them – we made changes ad everyone was ready.
“We had to suffer in many moments. We had to be really well organised and minimise the spaces.”
