The Independent

Aubameyang signs new threeyear Arsenal contract

- TOM KERSHAW

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has committed his future to Arsenal, signing a three-year contract worth in the region of £250,000 per week.

The club captain had less than one year remaining on his current deal and had delayed a decision over his future until the end of the season, with Barcelona one of several clubs interested in the 31-year-old, who scored 22 goals in the Premier League last season.

At one stage, Aubameyang seemed destined for an exit, but after Mikel Arteta rejuvenate­d the spirit around the club and secured European football with victory in the FA Cup, the head coach and hierarchy managed

to convince the Gabon internatio­nal to stay.

The player revealed his joy at remaining with a “special club”, as well as his excitement for the future.

“Signing for this special club was never in doubt,” Aubameyang said. “It’s thanks to our fans, my teammates, my family and everybody at this club that I feel like I belong here.

“I believe in Arsenal. We can achieve big things together. We have something exciting here and I believe the best is to come for Arsenal.”

Arteta revealed his delight at the news, hailing the player’s “incredible mentality”.

“It was important for Pierre-Emerick to stay with us,” Arteta said. “He’s a superb player with an incredible mentality. Being the player to have taken the least amount of time to reach 50 goals with this club tells you everything you need to know about him and his way of working.

“He’s an important leader for the team and a big part of what we’re building. He wants to be up there with the best players in the world and leave his mark. He can achieve that here.”

Technical director Edu added: “It’s clear Auba loves the club and everything we stand for on and off the pitch.

“He’s obviously a very important part of the team so we’re all delighted he has committed his future to us. It’s a big boost for everyone – fans, team-mates and staff.”

 ?? (Getty) ?? Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has committed his future to Arsenal
(Getty) Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has committed his future to Arsenal

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