Mik: Aub can stay

MIKEL ARTETA thinks Pierre-emerick Aubameyang can be convinced to stay at Arsenal.

But the club have to deliver the Champions League football he craves.

The striker (inset) is out of contract next summer and the Gunners will look to cash in if he refuses to sign a contract

extension. Boss Arteta feels Arsenal can help make the decision for the 31-year-old.

“We have had many discussions with Pierre, his family and his agent and I’m pretty positive we can find the right agreement for all parties,” he said.

“It is our responsibility to make him feel that this is the right next step in his career.

“He needs to feel valued. He needs to feel he belongs to us and we want him, and then he really needs to believe that we can take this club forward the way we want to do.”

Aubameyang’s record of 61 goals in 97 matches for the Gunners has sparked interest from a host of top clubs. Arteta added: “He’s going to be a key player to do that and at the moment I’m extremely happy with how he’s been performing and behaving.

“We have a really good relationship and we can discuss face to face a lot of things and so far as I’m aware he is very happy at the club.”

Arteta admits offering the hitman a Champions League stage could be crucial.

Arsenal have played in the Europa League for the last two seasons and the Spaniard said: “It would help persuade anybody. It is our obligation almost to be fighting for every trophy – that includes the Champions League as well.”