ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has stated once again he is confident Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will put pen to paper and agree a new deal at the Emirates.
The Gunners striker still faces an uncertain future in North London with his contract at the club to expire in 2021, with Barcelona and Real Madrid reportedly weighing up moves.
Juventus have also been linked with the Gabon international, but it is claimed that Aubameyang favours a switch to the Nou Camp should he depart Arsenal.
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Earlier this month, Arteta urged owner Stan Kroenke not to cash in on the ex-Borussia Dortmund marksman, before insisting the player is very settled living in England.
And after his fantastic double secured the club’s passage into the FA Cup final at the expense of Manchester City, Arteta has revealed talks to extend his skipper’s stay have been positive.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday night’s away clash at Aston Villa, the Spaniard was asked about a deadline for negotiations with Aubameyang.
Arteta said: “I don’t know, to put a date right now is very difficult.
“I like the way the conversations are going, I like what I’m hearing. I’m sure for both parties, the quicker we can do it, the better for everyone.
“I am confident he will extend his stay.”
When pressed on why he is so confident, he replied: “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.
“Everything I have from him and the people around him is the same. So I don’t have any arguments to say something different.”
Aubameyang yet again leads Arsenal’s goalscoring charts this season having found the back of the net on 25 occasions in 41 outings in all competitions.
