The Gabonese ace is in the final 12 months of his Gunners contract and has been linked with a summer exit.

With the 2019/20 Premier League season finally completed, Arsenal will be shifting focus to the FA Cup final, with the Gunners set to do battle with Chelsea for the coveted prize. However, while their attention should solely be on the Wembley encounter, the club will have one eye on an off-the-pitch matter and that is the issue of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's future.

The Gabonese ace has entered the final 12 months of his contract and there has been little to zero assurances regarding an extension. As a result, concern has erupted among the fan base regarding their talisman forward, and understandably so.

The 31-year-old grabbed a brace in the 3-2 win over Watford on the final day and while he missed out on the Golden Boot, losing to Jamie Vardy, the attacker notched a total of 22 goals in the English top-flight. The former Dortmund ace once again enjoyed a prolific campaign in front of goal, leaving Gooners with one question on their minds: will Arsenal lose their best player once again?

Aubameyang's father took to Instagram on Monday to make an interesting post. What started off as a heartwarming declaration of pride and love for his son quickly turned into a cryptic message regarding his future, stating that the pair will make "the right decision" for the rest of the attacker's career.

"My son, who wouldn't be proud to have a son like you. Bravo, bravo, bravo," he wrote on Instagram.

"You really are a scorer. Every season you respond with your efficiency, last season 22 goals, this season 22 goals.

"I can only congratulate you and tell you once again my pride.

"We must make the right decision for the rest of your career.

"They speak a lot in the press, they do not know that we are Bantu and that there is a hierarchy, the decision is taken after the advice of the wise man who is your father.

"We will be set very soon, sleep peacefully my son, your father watches the grains. I love you."

While Arteta and Aubameyang himself have issued assuring statements, there has been no pen-to-paper action yet. One factor which was rumored to be key in the attacker's decision to stay or leave was Champions League football, which the Gunners have missed out on after their eighth-spot finish.

On top of that, the north London giants might fail to qualify for Europe altogether should they lose to Chelsea in the FA Cup final and miss out on a Europa League berth. If that occurs, Barcelona, who are said to be interested in the 31-year-old's services, might emerge as an attractive option.

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Arsenal 2 - 1 Chelsea

August 1, 2020 12:30pmWembley Stadium (London)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

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