Tension as Arsenal fear mass exit of players for one surprising reason

Arsenal’s board fear Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could lead a mass exodus at the club if the Gunners stick with manager Unai Emery.

Saturday’s 2-2 draw to Southampton was met with boos and calls of ‘Emery out’ by the crowd at the Emirates, who have seen their side win just one of their last seven Premier League matches.

The Gunners are eight points off the top four and a failure to qualify for the Champions League would mean a fourth straight season outside Europe’s elite competition.

The club have been locked in negotiations with Lacazette and Aubameyang over new deals at the club but have been frustrated in their lack of progress.

The pair are waiting to see whether Arsenal can qualify for the Champions League before making a decision on their futures, while the fate of Emery is also likely to have a determining impact.

The Spaniard is clinging onto his job at the Emirates but the Arsenal board are willing to give him the remainder of the season provided the club are still challenging for a top-four spot.

However, the Daily Mail claim there is a significant fear among the club’s hierarchy that sticking by Emery will not only impact the club’s results but hinder their chances of keeping Lacazette and Aubameyang.