Arsenal legend Sol Campbell has outlined what the Gunners need to offer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to commits his long-term future to the club.
Aubameyang's current deal expires next year and he is yet to sign a new contract, with speculation rife that a number of top clubs are ready to swoop.
With the Gabon international now 31, it is likely this decision will be the last major one of Aubameyang's career and Campbell believes he “needs to have a clear understanding” of Arsenal's plan if he is to stay.
Speaking to Stadium Astro, Campbell said: “He's got to settle down and have a conversation with the manager and he needs to have a clear understanding of what they're looking to spend, who they're trying to get in.
“It's going to come down to trust, can he trust the club to say ‘right we are looking for x, y and z, we're going to bring two or three players in', and I think they'll push us on to really challenge for the top four, or really you never know [with] the Premiership.
“He needs to sit down with his people and have a serious conversation about where the club is going in the next two or three years, because he hasn't got five years, six years to say let's see how it goes, he needs almost instant success now.
“I think he [Arteta] is trustworthy, there's no doubt, he [Aubameyang] has to decide himself
“Sometimes you need to spend a lot of money, but, sometimes you get really lucky and have a lucky, fantastic year. You’ve got to say Leicester, they just kept on going, it does happen.
“I think he [Mikel Arteta] is trustworthy, there’s no doubt, he [Aubameyang] has to decide himself where he wants to go in his heart and soul and spirit.
“Where does he feel that, ‘If I can do it here I’ll just stay here I’ll give it a go, I believe they’re going to get two or three players in and I’ll believe in them.'
“That’s what it comes down to, no one’s got a crystal ball, it doesn’t matter, you can spend £150-200 million, it doesn’t bring you any trophies.
“It can probably help the profile of the players around you, but not necessarily end up winning something.
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“Sometimes you’ve got to trust yourself, your own instinct and hope it matches up with the hierarchy.”
This article was most recently revised and updated 5 years ago
