Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has claimed that the Gunners cannot afford to lose Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer.

The 30-year-old has been persistently linked with an exit from the Emirates recently, with Barcelona and Real Madrid both supposedly keen on a deal for the striker.

However, Sagna, who made 284 appearances for Arsenal between 2007 and 2014, has urged his former side to keep hold of the Gabon international.

Speaking to Goal, Sagna said: "He can't go now because Arsenal are on the way to building something strong.

"They can't afford to lose him. If they have to pay him, then just pay him because if they want someone else of his quality they cost £150m.

"So don't spend this £150m, just spend £50m and give it to him. It's the same as Robin van Persie and I think you have to learn from that situation.

"Auba deserves it. I'm not saying that because of his name or because he has scored a few goals. He's the best striker in the league."

Aubameyang has registered 61 goals in 97 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in 2018.