Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he wants to build his team around Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the club’s FA Cup triumph.
The Gunners won their 14th FA Cup title following a 2-1 win over Chelsea on Saturday, with Aubameyang scoring both of Arsenal’s goals.
Having gone behind early in the game through a Christian Pulisic goal, the Gabon international pulled Arsenal level from the spot kick midway through the first half.
He then scored Arsenal’s second after dummying Kurt Zouma before dinking the ball past the onrushing Wily Caballero.
Aubameyang has clearly been the Gunners’ most influential player but has just a year remaining on his current contract.
Arteta said he wants the former Borussia Dortmund striker to stay at the Emirate and hinted that discussions were ongoing over a deal.
“He knows what I think about him, I want to build a squad around him,” the Spanish tactician said. “I want him to stay, it’s about getting the deal done.”
“I think moments like this will help him to believe we are on the right path and he is a big part of it. He is loved by everyone at the club. I think he will [stay].”
Meanwhile, asked about his future at Arsenal after the FA Cup final, Aubameyang said: “Nothing. Today is about the trophy.”
