Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang used his pre-match programme notes to declare his commitment to Arsenal and dismiss rumours he wants to leave, so I guess he’ll be signing a new contract soon, then?

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal volleys during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal volleys during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

There’s no doubt there has been a change in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s attitude since the arrival of Mikel Arteta and a reminder that he isn’t Arsenal captain just because he’s got a big ego.

As such, we’ve seen a tremendous change in his application on the pitch, despite rumours persisting that he will not be at Arsenal next season.

Although he missed the game through illness, Auba addressed the rumours using his pre-match programme notes.

“I would like to react to some of the rumours that are going around about me in the media,” the Gabon striker wrote.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 23: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Southampton FC at Emirates Stadium on November 23, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Southampton FC at Emirates Stadium on November 23, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)

“People like making up stories and they should focus on what’s happening on the pitch. They talk too much and it does my head in!

“‘I am the Arsenal captain. I love this club. I am committed to it and desperate to bring it back to the top, where it belongs.”

That, of course, is exactly what you want to hear.

However, while it was completely understandable that Auba wouldn’t sign a new deal given the direction Unai Emery was taking us, will he now put his pen where his mouth is and sign a new deal to stay at the club?