Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has less than 18-months remaining on his contract but former Premier League striker Dimitar Berbatov has said that a lack of trophies could be a major factor in the captain's decision, , despite there being things that could convince the player to stay at the Emirates Stadium for a bit longer.
Speaking to Betfair, Berbatov says that the club should fight to keep their captain.
“This week there have been lots of rumours surrounding the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, it would be a massive blow for Arsenal if he left the club,” he said.
“In my opinion they need to do everything possible to stop him from leaving. I watched him closely at Dortmund and at Arsenal, and for me he is a great player with his speed, his movement and his goals.
‘’He is also their captain and a really important player for the team, he is out of contract next year and they should do everything possible to keep him.
“If he wants to leave, it will be difficult for teams to sign him because Arsenal will want a lot of money for him, and of course he is worth it.
‘’In the current situation teams are looking seriously at their budget and I think it will be hard for clubs to afford him. But, I have no doubt that teams will be looking at his situation and taking a lot of interest in it.”
There is one factor that Berbatov says could be on the top of the Gabon striker’s mind when thinking about a possible move.
“You have to ask if Aubameyang is happy at Arsenal and, if he isn't, I can understand why,” he added.
“Football is about winning trophies and we all know Arsenal are a team that play attractive football but in the end they have been left empty-handed quite a lot of times. That can be frustrating for a player.”
There are however four reasons that the striker could decide to stay at the club.
“The way of life, the way football is conducted, his team mates and the life his family have in London, are all things that could make him stay.
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‘’Being a footballer in London is great, and it's one of the best things ever, especially when you play for a big team like Arsenal. The only things he is missing are trophies,” Berbatov insisted.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
