However, it can have serious repercussions.
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.
According to reports, club chiefs fear key players will question their long-term futures if Emery remains in charge. Two star attackers are already said to be stalling on new deals with Arsenal sliding down the Premier League.
Daily Mail reports strikers Aubameyang and Lacazette have shown little interest in signing contract extensions as a direct consequence of poor results and concerns over Emery’s “conservative” methods. 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. The issue, though, is the lack of candidates willing to take charge of the Gunners midway through the season with first team coach Freddie Ljungberg the most likely option.