Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signs Arsenal contract extension in major boost for Mikel Arteta - 7M sport

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signs Arsenal contract extension in major boost for Mikel Arteta



Posted Wednesday, September 16, 2020 by Express.co.uk

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has committed his future to Arsenal by signing a new three-year contract.

Arsenal have confirmed that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has signed a new three-year contract with the club, ending speculation over his future. A special live stream on the Arsenal website revealed Aubameyang putting pen to paper on his new deal. The Gunners captain had entered the final 12 months of his previous agreement but has now committed himself to the north London outfit until 2023.

Aubameyang has two goals in two games already this season after netting in Arsenal's Premier League opener at Fulham last Saturday.

The 31-year-old struck 29 times last term and has scored 72 goals in 111 games since joining from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018.

But there were fears that Arsenal could lose their prolific talisman due to their lack of Champions League football and reported interest from the likes of Barcelona and Inter Milan.

However, the improvement in performance under Mikel Arteta has convinced Aubameyang to stick around at the Emirates.

He has added the FA Cup and Community Shield to his trophy cabinet in the past few months, scoring in both Wembley showpieces.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signs Arsenal contract extension in major boost for Mikel Arteta
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signs Arsenal contract extension in major boost for Mikel Arteta (Image: GETTY)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signs Arsenal contract extension in major boost for Mikel Arteta
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signs Arsenal contract extension in major boost for Mikel Arteta (Image: GETTY)

Aubameyang scored the braces that powered Arsenal past Manchester City and Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final and final respectively.

It is the latest boost for Arteta, who has enjoyed a positive summer transfer window to strengthen his team in hope of a push for Champions League qualification.

He has added Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes to his squad while also signing Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares permanently, as well as re-signing Dani Ceballos on loan.

The Gunners boss also wants to add Thomas Partey to his team but it is penning Aubameyang to a new contract which is perhaps the most important signing of the summer.

Aubameyang's team-mates were delighted to watch the striker confirm he has put pen to paper on Arsenal's live stream, with Joe Willock commenting "My captain lettssssss gooo" while Reiss Nelson said: "Let’s gooooo."

The camera pointed towards a table showing a sand-timer, the captain's armband and a contract, with the Gabon flag in the background. A Black Panther mask was also slid on to the table during the broadcast.

After a lengthy delay to build up extra anticipation, the attacker then lifted up the camera, walked around the Emirates dressing room before heading out on to the pitch, where the FA Cup trophy sat on the turf.

He eventually turned the camera around and said: "Arsenal fans, finally, I've just signed da ting. I wanted to share this with you guys and yeah, so happy, a bit nervous, a lot of people here!

"So yes, people were asking to sign da ting, it's finally done, I'm really, really happy to stay here. This is my home. As you know, I feel so good here, so it's a great day, I hope you enjoy your day.

"Yeah, beautiful weather today and yes, I've signed da ting because I want to become an Arsenal legend and leave a legacy. It's the time to work a lot to become a legend I know.

"For sure I will give my best as always. So yes, I've just signed da ting. Hopefully you are happy and I can't wait to see you in this beautiful stadium again, hopefully it's going to be soon!

"I'm really, really happy. I can see the guys, my team-mates are here as well, Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock, Laca, Tyreece as well."

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signs Arsenal contract extension in major boost for Mikel Arteta
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signs Arsenal contract extension in major boost for Mikel Arteta (Image: GETTY)

Arsenal legend Ian Wright then joined the broadcast to tell Aubameyang the fans "love him" before team-mate Alexandre Lacazette got involved to congratulate his skipper.

Wright added: ""Oh my god I love you man, can I just say at a time when we need you most, when others have left, you have legendary status."

With Arsenal having been outside of the Champions League for four years, Aubameyang's contributions will be vital if they are to finish in the top four again under Arteta.

And his importanct is underlined by his new terms, with the Gabon frontman reportedly set to earn around £250,000-a-week - which makes him the club's second-highest earner behind only Mesut Ozil.

Bonuses, including Champions League qualification, could take that pay-packet up even higher with the Arsenal hierarchy making it clear they were desperate to keep the player.

Arteta is thought to have been crucial in persuading his star striker to stay, with the Spaniard having gotten personally involved in discussions with Aubameyang's representatives to lay out his vision for the coming seasons.

Aubameyang will be looking to mark his new contract with more goals when Arsenal host West Ham this Saturday (8pm kick-off).



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