Mikel Arteta will reportedly take charge of Arsenal's contract talks with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in a desperate attempt to persuade the striker to stay put.

The 30-year-old's existing deal at the Emirates Stadium expires at the end of next season, meaning that the Gunners may be forced to cash in this summer if new terms are not agreed.

Arsenal have a history of losing first-team stars for nothing, with Aaron Ramsey being the most recent example last year.

In order to avoid a repeat of that scenario, The Telegraph claims that head coach Arteta has personally intervened by holding talks with captain Aubameyang and his father.

The report indicates that Arsenal had already opened negotiations with the Gabon international at the start of the year, only for the coronavirus pandemic to put things on hold.

Aubameyang has scored 61 goals in 97 games since joining Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018.