Former Arsenal forward Charlie Nicholas has stated that the Gunners should only sell captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in order to fund a squad rebuild for next season.

Aubameyang has enjoyed a stellar campaign with Mikel Arteta's side throughout the 2019-20 season, although his contract at the Emirates is set to expire next summer.

The Gabon international has registered 17 Premier League goals this term, but the prospect of Champions League football elsewhere could allegedly tempt him into seeking a move away from Arsenal in the near future.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Nicholas said: "The evidence says the last thing you want to do is lose a player like Aubameyang. He is a magical goalscorer.

"The only way his sale might be acceptable is if it funded a rebuild. Arsenal have been trying to rebuild for five years, maybe even more, and they have never come close to achieving that.

"They do not want to lose Aubameyang in terms of what he brings to the table, but Arsenal have failed abysmally when it has come to players running down a contract.

"Arsenal might be able to make selling him work if they got the rebuild right, but the reality is that he is absolutely vital to the team."

Aubameyang has chalked up 61 goals in 96 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018.