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Emery ‘determined’ to keep Aubameyang and Lacazette at Arsenal, but is ‘open to selling Ozil’

Arsenal boss Unai Emery is ‘determined’ to keep strike duo Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette at the club, but is ‘open to selling’ Mesut Ozil as he looks to raise funds to strengthen his squad.

Arsenal’s failure to qualify for the Champions League has seen Emery’s resources restricted this summer, with the Spaniard’s budget reported to be around £40m plus any funds raised from player sales.

According to the London Evening Standard, Aubameyang and Lacazette will not be sold and remain a key part to Emery’s plans as he plots a squad overhaul. The duo have formed a superb partnership for the North London side, scoring 50 goals between them in all competitions.

Aubameyang, who finished as joint-top goalscorer in the Premier League with 22 goals, is believed to be attracting interest from China. The Gabon international is reported to be happy at Emirates, with the club planning to offer him an extension to his current deal in a bid to convince him to reject the lucrative advances of the Chinese Super League.

Lacazette was named as the club’s Player of the Year after a fine campaign and is being monitored by Spanish duo Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Atletico star Antoine Griezmann has announced his intention to leave the club and has been strongly linked with Barcelona, with Lacazette offering an alternative to his international teammate for either side should a deal not be struck.

Emery’s not for sale stance on his forward pair does not extend to attacking midfielder Ozil. The German is the club’s highest-paid player but has flattered to deceive and divided opinion throughout his six-year spell at the club.

Ozil turns 31 in October and Emery will reportedly sanction the sale of the former Real Madrid star to raise funds should a suitable buyer be found.

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