'Big games, big moments, big players': Mikel Arteta hails Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after his Community Shield heroics as he admits again that star man is 'close' to sealing new deal
Mikel Arteta has once again lavished praise on Arsenal superstar Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - and claimed that the talisman is 'close' to finally penning a new contract.
The 31-year-old has proven crucial during the early months of Arteta's rebuilding project - and his future appears destined to remain at the Emirates after several strong hints that he will put pen to paper.
After his heroics helped Arsenal win the Community Shield against Liverpool, Arteta has again reassured supporters over Aubameyang's future and hailed his main man.
Mikel Arteta lavished praise on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after another impressive showing
Aubameyang netted the opener and the decisive penalty in Arsenal's victory against Liverpool
Sportsmail understands that Aubameyang has verbally agreed to sign fresh terms for another three years following lengthy talks.
The extension, which will be worth in excess of £250,000-per-week, is still to be officially confirmed however - although the forward's stellar display at Wembley again underlined his value.
His opener in the first-half was superb. Bukayo Saka's clever pass was picked up by Aubameyang, who raced at Neco Williams and teed himself up on to his right boot. The finish was unerring, bending beyond Alisson and into the far corner.
And after his penalty stole the show for Arsenal again, Arteta told BT Sport: 'Big games, big moments, big players. He is responding really well to that kind of pressure.
The 31-year-old, who is 'close' to a new contract, sealed the Community Shield win at Wembley
'He was magnificent in the FA Cup final and again today.'
But despite fans remaining on tenterhooks for any news over Aubameyang's contract situation, the player himself is still giving nothing away.
When questioned about the deal, the Gabon international coyly replied: 'We’re going to see in these days. Today we’re going to take the trophy and that’s it.'
Aubameyang had inspired Arsenal to their FA Cup triumph just four weeks ago, having delivered match-winning shows against both Manchester City and Chelsea.
The forward has proven crucial in Arsenal's first two trophies during Arteta's promising tenure
His effort against Liverpool ensured that Arteta's reign has now been marked with two trophies.
The red-hot attacker capitalised ruthlessly on Rhian Brewster's missed spot-kick in a tense shootout on Saturday to send the first piece of silverware up for grabs this season to north London.
Aubameyang appears to be relishing the prospect of staying at the club, telling BT Sport: 'We are improving and there's still work to do but it's a really happy and exciting time to be an Arsenal player.'