Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rubbishes transfer talk: ‘I am Arsenal captain. I love this club’

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has dismissed rumours that he wants to quit Arsenal, claiming: “I love this club. I am committed to it.”

The Gabon star has been a rare shining light in a difficult season so far for the Gunners, leading the club’s scoring charts with 15 goals in 25 games in all competitions.

Talks to extend his contract beyond the summer of 2021 stalled in the midst of a turbulent period that saw Unai Emery sacked as manager and replaced by Mikel Arteta, fuelling speculation that his time at the Emirates may be coming to an end, with Real Madrid one mooted destination.

However, writing in his captain’s notes in the matchday programme for Arsenal’s FA Cup tie with Leeds United on Monday night, the 30-year-old reiterated his commitment.

"I would like to react to some of the rumours that are going around about in the media," he wrote. "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.”