Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang turned down some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, most notably Barcelona and Inter Milan, as he bagged a deal worth £60m over three years at Arsenal.
The London side announced that the Gabonese hitman signed a new contract, ending months of speculation and guaranteeing the striker one striker final payday as he enters a career stretch that leads to the twilight of his time on the football pitch.
Aubameyang moved to Arsenal in 2018 from Borussia Dortmund and has continued to score goals in abundance, becoming an iconic figure at the north London club.
The new deal is understood to make Aubameyang the highest-paid player at the Emirates. Aubameyang has increased his wage to £250,000 a week but will earn nearer £350,000 a week once loyalty payments and bonuses are included.
With that, he is expected to surpass previous high earner Mesut Ozil’s £350,000-a-week wages.
Dropping to third place is summer arrival Willian, who rakes in £220k followed by Alexandre Lacazette on £182k, with club-record signing Nicolas Pepe completing the top five with a £140,000-a-week contract.
Brazilian defender David Luiz follows with £125k, while right-back Hector Bellerin is seventh on £110k.
In total, Aubameyang is expected to earn over £60million over the next three years.
“Signing for this special club was never in doubt,” Aubameyang said in a statement. “It’s thanks to our fans, my team mates, my family and everybody at this club that I feel like I belong here.
“I believe in Arsenal. We can achieve big things together. We have something exciting here and I believe the best is to come for Arsenal.”