Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the brink of signing new three-year Arsenal deal, making him highest-paid player

Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - August 29, 2020 Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Community Shield [REUTERS/Justin Tallis]

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is on the brink of signing a new three-year contract with Arsenal which will see him usurp Mesut Ozil as the club's highest-paid player.

The Gunners captain has been in talks with Emirates chiefs for several months over extending his stay in north London.

And according to The Athletic, the striker has finally committed his future and an announcement is imminent.

It is also claimed that Aubameyang is set for a mammoth pay rise on his current £200,000-a-week deal, which was due to expire next summer, to take him to the top of Arsenal's wage list.

It is understood that Aubameyang's deal is worth more than Ozil's £350,000-a-week agreement, with the striker extending his stay with the Premier League giants until 2023.

The influence of Gunners manager Mikel Arteta as well as Aubameyang's father was significant in persuading the striker to commit, it is claimed.

Last month, the boss admitted his star man was on the brink of penning a new deal.

Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - August 1, 2020 Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang picks up the trophy after winning the FA Cup [Pool via REUTERS/Catherine Ivill]

Arteta said: “I keep being positive, we have some really good talks with him and his agent. I am pretty confident we’re going to find an agreement soon. That’s my feeling again.

“Absolutely. And for him as well, I think. I think he should be very happy if he is able to stay at the club for a long time.

“I think people will be delighted with that news.”

Gunners legend Martin Keown previously warned the club not to be held to ransom over the striker's salary demands.

"Your centre-forward gives you hope and belief," Keown told Mirror Sport.

"We have to hold our hands up and say, 'This guy is really important to Arsenal football club'. But, if you look at recent history, the club can't be held to ransom.

"And no individual is more important than the club itself. So, they need to get that right and sort out the details for a new contract.

"He's 31 years of age now, he's at his peak.

"He probably has another two years of being a top player. Strikers do dip a little bit, but we do see examples of others going on into their late thirties.

"We'll have to wait and see what he'll produce."

 

Rugby
Cheetahs start training ahead of Super Series
Athletics
All set for Ghetto Marathon
Athletics
Kirui, Kibiwott to renew rivalry at Kip Keino Classic
By Ben Ahenda 4 hrs ago
Boxing
Andiego lands in Mandela Cup finals