Arsenal are "pretty positive" about the prospect of captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signing a contract extension, says head coach Mikel Arteta.
The 30-year-old, whose current deal runs until the summer of 2021, has been linked with Barcelona, Inter Milan and PSG in recent months.
He has scored 61 goals in 97 games since joining Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018.
"We have many discussions with Pierre, with his family and his agent. I’m pretty positive we can find the right agreement for all parties," said Arteta.
"I think it is our responsibility to make him feel this is the right next step in his career.
"In order to do that he needs to feel valued, he needs to feel he belongs to us and that we want him.
"He really needs to believe we can take this club forward in the way we want to and he’s going to be a key part."
The Gunners, who are currently ninth in the table, begin the restarted Premier League season away at second-placed Manchester City on Wednesday.
It will be their first game since March 7 and Arteta explained that the coronavirus shutdown has made contract negotiations more difficult.
"In a different context we’d have liked to do things much quicker but obviously it is unprecedented times," he continued.
"That brings a lot of uncertainty. But things are getting clearer and clearer every day that we are a step closer to getting back playing football and we want to move forward.
"I think at the moment I am extremely happy with how he [Aubameyang] has been performing and behaving.
"I have a really good relationship with him and we can discuss face to face a lot of things. So far as I’m aware I think he’s very happy at the club.
Victory over Manchester City could lift Arsenal to as high as sixth and just two points from a potential Champions League place.
Should City lose their appeal against a two-year ban from European competition, then a top-five finish will be enough to qualify.
"I think [Champions League football] will help to persuade anybody. It’s our obligation, almost, to be fighting for every trophy and playing (in the) Champions League with this club," said Arteta.
"A lot of players want to come and join us but it’s not just about who do we want to attract, it’s how happy the players that are here are and (how) convinced they are in the right place."
Related football content
Responsible gambling
We are committed in our support of responsible gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
Sky Bet's responsible gambling tools are detailed here and if you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, or visit begambleaware.org.
Further support and information can be found at GamCare and gamblingtherapy.org.
Fast Results
Scores
