Arsenal 'open talks with Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang'

Arsenal have reportedly opened contract talks with striking duo Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Both players were speculatively linked with moves away from the club this summer following their failure to qualify for the Champions League, although Arsenal quickly ruled out the possibility of selling either forward.

The Gunners are now looking to tie them down to new long-term deals, although The Mirror reports that negotiations have so far proved unsuccessful.

The future of Aubameyang, who has just two years remaining on his current terms, is of particular importance for Arsenal as they look to avoid players running down their contracts and leaving for free.

Aaron Ramsey joined Juventus for nothing this summer, while the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have also entered the final stages of their contracts in recent years at the Emirates Stadium.

Lacazette's deal does not expire until 2022, but he is desperate for Champions League football and is happy to wait before committing his future to Arsenal.

The Frenchman is hopeful that he can help the club return to Europe's top-tier club competition this season but could look to move on should they miss out on a top-four spot.

Lacazette and Aubameyang scored 50 goals between them across all competitions last term.

Written by
Barney Corkhill