Arsenal face a tough task of keeping hold of star man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with the Gunners star keen on playing Champions League football again.

The 30-year-old's future in north London has been uncertain for some time with his under-performing team-mates leaving the striker question his long term plans with the club.

And, according to The Telegraph, a summer exit is looking likely for the striker, who joined from Borussia Dortmund for £56million in January 2018.

Arsenal face a fight to keep hold of star man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang beyond the summer

Aubameyang was handed the captain's armband in a bid to keep the Gabon star committed to the cause as Arsenal try to turn their poor season around. In the short term, the striker has pledged his commitment to the cause for the remainder of the season.

Aubameyang has 18 months remaining on his contract with the Gunners, and wants to be playing Champions League football next season. The prospect of Mikel Arteta's side rubbing shoulders with Europe's elite come September are looking slim, leaving the Arsenal captain to weigh up his options.

Sunday's dramatic defeat to London rivals Chelsea leaves the Gunners in lowly 12th position, 11 points behind the Champions League places.

The Arsenal captain is believed to want to play Champions League football next season

The Gunners may cash in on the striker who has 18 months left remaining on his current deal

However, there is still hope Arsenal can qualify for club football's elite competition via the Europa League, with a round of 32 tie against Olympiacos to take place in February.

New boss Arteta, who returned to the Gunners earlier this month, risks losing two big name players in the dressing room in the coming months in Aubameyang and Granit Xhaka as he looks to steady the ship.

The Swiss midfielder is believed to be close to the exit door after his agent revealed a deal with German club had been agreed. Arsenal are still holding out for a larger fee to be agreed for the former captain, who they signed for £35million.

Xhaka has endured a tough season, which culminated in a very public bust up with the Arsenal faithful as he was substituted against Crystal Palace, in which he threw his arms in the air in frustration and told fans to 'f*** off' at hearing jeers from them.