PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG insists the “best is yet to come” and staying was “never in doubt” – after signing a new three-year contract to reportedly become Arsenal’s top earner.
The skipper and star striker’s deal is thought to surpass Mesut Ozil’s £350k-a-week pay following months of negotiations.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be Arsenal’s highest-paid player
Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hails his new contract, much to the relief of fans and Credit: Getty Images – Getty
After initial suggestions Aubameyang would earn £250k-a-week, the Athletic claim his new weekly deal will be more than 100k above that.
Arteta is said to have been instrumental in talks, with the club’s former head of football Raul Sanllehi also playing a huge part before his departure.
Ozil will now be the second top earner at Arsenal following his contract extension in January 2018.
Dropping to third place is summer arrival Willian, who rakes in £220k
Then comes Alexandre Lacazette on £182k, with club-record signing Nicolas Pepe completing the top five with a £140,000-a-week contract.
Brazilian defender David Luiz follows with £125k, while right-back Hector Bellerin is seventh on £110k.
The leading ten is completed by three players on £100k – Sead Kolasinac, Bernd Leno and Granit Xhaka.
AUBA THE MOON
Aubameyang, 31, who netted in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Fulham, said: “I want to become an Arsenal legend, just like Thierry, Wrighty, Adams and Bergkamp.
“I want to leave a legacy, this is where I belong. This is my family.
“We have something exciting here and I believe the best is to come for Arsenal.”
And despite being linked with Barcelona and even Manchester United during a long-running saga, he added: “Signing for this special club was never in doubt.
“It’s thanks to our fans, my team-mates, my family and everybody at this club that I feel like I belong here.”
Relieved manager Mikel Arteta said: “It was important for Pierre-Emerick to stay with us.
“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.”
Gunners’ fans have also been buoyed by reports Arteta is still keen on Lyon playmaker Houssem Aouar.
Gabon superstar Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will stay at the Emirates for at least three more yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
