Mikel Arteta has his hands full trying to rebuild Arsenal FC although some have criticized his ways. Not everyone appears to be on board with his youth movement, believing that he still needs a mix of veterans for the Gunners to gain ground. One of those who believe he should do so is former Arsenal legend, Charlie Nicholas.
Nicholas has been keeping tabs with the progress of the Gunners and is aware that Arteta has been heavily emphasizing on infusing youth, Sky Sports reported. It is a practice being done by most teams right now although there are still veterans on board that could help the cause. The most notable of them all is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, someone who has yet to strike a new deal. The Gabon captain still has 13 months left in his contract but renegotiating a new deal as early as now is urged by most to secure his stay at Emirates Stadium.
The Arsenal legend seems curious about what lies ahead for Aubameyang. Arteta did mention that he plans to sit down with the Gabon national and personally explain to him his role for the team moving forward. This should address the suggestions of Nicholas on the case of Aubameyang. Before that, he felt it would be best for the Gunners to sell the Gunners captain now than end up with nothing after 13 months. Aubameyang can walk free once his contract with Arsenal expires.
"We know Arsenal are going to have to trade quite a bit as they don't have the money. Surely by now, Arsenal knows if Aubameyang's going to sign a contract and if they can get decent money they should sell him," Nicholas said.
However, Arteta knows better than to let good talent walk away. Hopefully, he can convince Aubameyang to sign a new (and longer) contract to balance the Gunners campaign moving forward. Though he had a rough start with the Gunners under Unai Emery, there seems to be no friction between him and Arteta. Better yet, he has not shown any indication of wanting to leave Emirates Stadium although there are teams interested in him.
For Arteta, there is a lot of work ahead. Aside from Aubameyang, he also needs to address David Luiz. Most initially though his deal was for two years. But it turns out that Arsenal needs to activate the second year to secure him. Based on his relationship with Arteta, the case of Luiz is likely to be easily resolved.
