Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka says it would be a ‘great loss’ if the club were to lose Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang either this summer or next.
The Gabonese international has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer with his contract expiring and him not seeming close to signing a new deal.
That means the club could be forced into a sale this year or face the prospect of losing the striker on a free transfer, with European sides able to negotiate with him as early as January.
Such a scenario would represent a huge loss for Arsenal, who can demand a big fee for a player who has 20 goals in all competitions this season and 61 in 97 overall for the club.
Xhaka has made clear his feelings on the prospect.
“If that were to happen, it would, of course, be a great loss for the team and the club,” he told SportBild.
“Auba is always dangerous and always good for a goal, and as a guy, he’s also really great.
“He is always positive, optimistic, helpful and very professional.”
The German has been struggling at the club for some time, with previous coach Unai Emery not able to get the best out of him or find a place for him in his team.
That situation has somewhat improved under Arteta, who has insisted that Özil can be a key player under him.
Much of the criticism around the midfielder has been about a perceived lack of effort or care, but Xhaka insists that isn’t the case.
“I see him here as a very positive, likeable colleague,” he added.
“He is an extremely down-to-earth guy, always ready to help, and he works hard in training and in my opinion he really enjoys football.
“When Mesut is in form, he is, of course very important to us and can always make the difference. We really don’t have to discuss his footballing skills here.”
