Arsenal hoping Aubameyang becomes first of three stars to pen new deals

Arsenal want to secure the future of three players as they look to tie down Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before the start of the season.

Aubameyang has agreed a new three year £250,000-a-week deal in principle, with the club hoping to announce it which would be a huge boost for Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners boss also wants to fend off Wolves ’ interest in Ainsley Maitland-Niles after the midfielder celebrated his 23rd birthday with his first senior England call-up.

Maitland-Niles has three years left on his current deal. He is not one of the club’s top earners but if he stays then he could also be in line for a new contract.

They are also desperate to keep keeper Emiliano Martinez, with the club are ready to hand him a fresh deal after Arteta picked him ahead of Bernd Leno for the Community Shield.

That was a huge statement of faith from Arteta in Martinez who has made it clear that he wants to be No1 but faces a battle with Leno for the jersey.

Aston Villa are among the clubs interested but Arteta does not want to sell Martinez or Maitland-Niles and is hoping to raise cash from other sales to help carry on funding his summer transfer plans.

They are close to completing a £27m deal for Lille defender Gabriel while they also want a midfielder with Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey in their sights and they have also held talks over another loan deal for Dani Ceballos.

Rob Holding is set to leave on loan with Newcastle keen while Matteo Guendouzi is up for sale after falling out of favour last season.