Arteta details role in Aubameyang’s Arsenal extension despite initial doubts

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits he was initially unconvinced that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would sign a new contract – but is delighted to have persuaded him to extend his stay.

The Gunners captain signed a new three-year deal this week to end months of speculation over his future, with his previous contract due to expire next summer.

The 31-year-old has hit 72 goals in 111 appearances for the Gunners, including a brace in the 2-1 FA Cup final win over Chelsea last month.

And ahead of Saturday’s Premier League visit of West Ham, Arteta conceded he was not quite as sure of Aubameyang’s future when he was appointed as Unai Emery’s successor back in December.

“To be fair at the start when I joined, I wasn’t as positive as I was in the last few weeks,” he said.

“Obviously, financially we were in a position that it was difficult to get where we wanted to get. I think Auba had his doubts as well at the time but things evolved in a natural way.

“I had the feeling that the club wanted to move forward, I had the feeling that Auba wanted to stay here and we were just trying to apply those things together and that sometimes takes time.

“But the outcome is what we both wanted so we are happy.”

Arteta also lifted the lid on his role in discussions and added: “I think the big reason Auba is staying is because we have an incredible football team, football club, we have some fantastic people working here and because he feels how much love he has from the fans.

“I played my part, which is part of my job, to try to explain to him what we are trying to do and how important he would be while we are building and that is it.

“The club has to take credit for that and the people who have been able to put a project and a package to him to stay at the club.”