Aubameyang deal 'close' says Arteta after striker's latest Wembley heroics

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London, August 30: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang said it is an "exciting time to be an Arsenal player" as head coach Mikel Arteta confirmed the striker was close to agreeing a new contract.

After opening the scoring in the Community Shield with a superb strike, Aubameyang converted the clinching spot-kick as Arsenal beat Premier League champions Liverpool 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out.

Aubameyang is out of contract in 2021, though discussions over a new deal appear to be not far from completion.

The 31-year-old indicated he was happy to be at Arsenal after the club secured their second trophy of this August.

"We're going to see in these [coming] days. Today we take the trophy, that's it," Aubameyang told BT Sport when asked about his contract situation.

"We are improving. There is still work to do but I'm really happy and it's an exciting time to be an Arsenal player."

Gunners coach Mikel Arteta indicated a deal is almost across the line.

"We are close," Arteta told BT Sport.

Looking at Aubameyang's performance in the 1-1 draw over 90 minutes, Arteta said: "Big games, big moments, big players.

"He's responded really well to that kind of pressure. He was magnificent in the FA Cup final and he was magnificent against today."

One player who may well be leaving Arsenal is Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who put in an accomplished display at left wing-back at the national stadium.

Wolves and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in the versatile player, but birthday boy Maitland-Niles insisted his full focus is on Arsenal as it stands.

"I'm an Arsenal player until I'm told otherwise," Maitland-Niles, 23, said.