It is looking increasingly likely that Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will stay at the club following positive talks with Mikel Arteta, according to Sky Sports.
The Gabon international has scored 20 goals in all competitions for the Gunners this season, also taking over the captain’s armband on several occasions.
Aubameyang’s contract is due to expire at the end of next season and Arsenal are keen for him to sign a new deal in order to keep him at the club for the foreseeable future.
And in news that will please fans of the North London club, manager Arteta does not believe the 31-year-old will leave anytime soon.
“I like the way the conversations are going, I like what I’m hearing,” he told Sky Sports.
“I’m sure for both parties, the quicker we can do it, the better for everyone.
“I am confident he will extend his stay.”
If Aubameyang were to commit his future to the Gunners it would be a huge boost for the FA Cup finalists.
The striker joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018 and has now scored 52 goals in all competitions.
Yet to add a trophy with the Gunners to the three he won at Dortmund (and one at Saint-Etienne), he has a chance to do so when they come up against Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
Arteta suggested that Aubemeyang is enjoying his time at The Emirates and that could be a factor in convincing him to stay.
“He’s generally happy. I think he is enjoying his football.
“He is settled in the country and his family are good.
“I think he can sense – and we’ve told him – how much we like him, how much we value him.
“I think the connection he has with the fans is unique. I believe he is in the perfect place for him.”
Recent wins over Liverpool and Manchester City might also convince Aubameyang that under Arteta, Arsenal could well be challenging for honours on a more regular basis in the seasons to come.