Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette allegedly had no intention of signing new contracts at Arsenal while Unai Emery remained as manager.
With the Gunners already struggling to achieve a top-four position in the Premier League table, the club's hierarchy removed Emery from his position in the dugout on Friday morning.
However, according to the Evening Standard, the call may have also been made to boost their chances of securing the futures of two of their star men.
Given the recent poor results, the report claims that neither of the frontmen were interested in playing under Emery on a long-term basis.
While Lacazette has over two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, Aubameyang has 12 months less, realistically putting Arsenal in a position where they would need to convince the Gabon international to pen fresh terms before next summer.
Freddie Ljungberg has been handed the reins on an interim basis as the north Londoners consider potential long-term successors to Emery.
Darren Plant
