MIKEL ARTETA claims Arsenal is the same size club as Barcelona or Inter Milan.
The Emirates boss is delighted Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has finally signed a new three-year deal to remain in North London despite offers from both the Nou Camp and San Siro giants.
Arteta claims Arsenal are as big a club as Barcelona or Inter MilanCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Arteta reckons Aubameyang committing his future to the Emirates speaks volumes of the size of the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And Arteta, preparing for tomorrow’s home game with West Ham, admits the saga over whether the striker was going to at the end of his contract this season was having a negative impact on other players.
But the Arsenal coach, asked about the offers from Barca and Inter, insisted: “The size of our club is as big as those names.
“I am really pleased to have convinced Auba to stay at our club.
“With the passion and determination he showed to stay at the club, I am pleased to see the reaction of everyone at Colney and also our fans.
“It is a joy to work with him. I think we have a really transparent relationship.
“We were really clear with each other what we were trying to do.
“He is a big part of my plans in terms of the ways he trains, behaves and also performs. I want him to do that again consistently.
“It took a lot of work and a big effort from the club.”
Arteta continued: “It was a thing that was worrying me because it is so hard to find replacements of that calibre so I am really pleased.
“The big reason Auba is staying is because we have an incredible football team and club with fantastic people here.
“I played my part which is part of my job. The club has to take credit as it put a package together.
“It was a big boost for us because everyone was hoping for Auba to stay but it was creating some uncertainty around the place.
“And it is great to be able to finish the speculation and move on.”
Arteta was appointed as Arsenal manager in December 2019 and he has made a massive difference.
But after arriving from Manchester City, he was aware of the issue surrounding Aubameyang’s future.
He said: “To be fair at the start when I joined, I was not as positive as the last few weeks.
“Obviously, financially we were in a position that it was difficult to get what we wanted.
“Auba had his doubts but things evolved in a natural way and I had a feeling the club wanted to move forward and that Auba wanted to stay.
“It sometimes takes time but the outcome is what we wanted.”
Aubameyang signs new £350k-a-week contract and says he wants to become an Arsenal legend
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
