Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that the club are hopeful of convincing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to sign a new and improved contract with the club.

The Gabon international has enjoyed another sublime season with the Gunners and he has already contributed 19 goals from 30 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Two of those goals came during the recent 3-2 win over Everton in the Premier League and that ensured that the Gunners won back-to-back top-flight games for the first time since August.

Speaking after the victory (Arsenal.com), Arteta described Aubameyang as a 'superb player' and admitted that he is aware of the interest developing from other elite European sides.

"The [clubs who want him] are completely right because he is a superb player. He completely deserves to be liked by all the other teams. Hopefully we can convince him that this is the right place for him and that he has a future here," he told.

Aubameyang has less than 17 months remaining on his existing deal with the Gunners and reports have claimed that the board may consider his sale, should his contract standoff extend until the summer.

He has contributed 49 Premier League goals since his move from Borussia Dortmund two years ago. He has the chance to score his 50th goal in the division when the Gunners host West Ham United next month.