PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG continued to keep fans guessing when quizzed on his future but admitted his excitement to be an Arsenal player.
The Gabon star showed his importance to the team yet again by opening the scoring with a sensational strike in the Gunners’ penalty win over Liverpool at Wembley.
Aubameyang, 31, has been locked in negotiations throughout the summer with just a year left on his current contract.
But Aubameyang gave little clue as to whether he would put pen-to-paper when questioned after the game.
He said: “We’re going to see these coming days. Today we get the trophy and that’s it.
“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.”
Mikel Arteta was more positive on his future as admitted he “is close” to penning a lucrative deal.
The Spaniard said: “Big games, big moments, big players.
“He has responded really well to that kind of pressure. He was magnificent in the FA Cup final and the same today.”
When asked about his new contract, he responded: “We are close.”
Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ future at Arsenal is looking less bleak after being heavily linked with moves to Wolves and Tottenham.
The versatile midfielder is free to leave as Arsenal look to raise funds with the potential arrivals of Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar.
When asked on his future, Maitland-Niles appeared resigned to his exit when he responded: “I’m an Arsenal player until I’m told otherwise.
“My heart is in the club and while I’m here I’m going to give 100 per cent all the time. So that’s that.”
Meanwhile Peter Crouch believes keeping Aubameyang is Arsenal’s main priority of the transfer window.
The BT Sport pundit said: “He could have been more positive, I have to be honest.
“But when I look at him he plays with a smile on his face, he looks like he enjoys it.
“He looks like he has a lot of friends at Arsenal and I think they are moving in the right direction.
“But he still needs to sign that contract and Arsenal really need to keep hold of him.”
