Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Borussia Dortmund Agree to New Contract

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has signed a new five-year contract with Borussia Dortmund, keeping him at the Westfalenstadion until 2020.

BVB confirmed the news with a jubilant tweet:

Premier League sides Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur were linked with a move for Aubameyang in June, reported by France Football (h/t Aaron Flanagan of the Mirror). However, he is delighted to remain with the Bundesliga club at a time of transition under new manager Thomas Tuchel, as the striker noted on Dortmund's official website. 

"I'm absolutely delighted that the next years of my career will be spent at Borussia Dortmund," said Aubameyang. "I feel very happy at the club, in this team and in this city. BVB has become like a second home to me. Every part of me wants to be here and I have never wanted to leave."

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Sporting director Michael Zorc also commented on the Gabon international's stay. "Auba has developed outstandingly," Zorc said, per BVB's website. "We are very happy that we have been able to tie him down to a long-term contract."

The 26-year-old has become a key player since joining Dortmund from Saint-Etienne in 2013. He netted 16 goals and provided six assists in the German top division last season, per WhoScored.com, building on 13 goals and four assists from the year prior.

WhoScored.com noted the speedy striker's clinical nature when presented an opportunity:

Although a five-year contract doesn't necessarily mean he will remain in Germany until beyond his 30th birthday—Luis Suarez signed a similar deal with Liverpool before moving to Barcelona the following summer—B/R UK's Clark Whitney is optimistic Aubameyang will be with BVB for the long haul.

Dortmund and Tuchel have done excellently to hold on to their main stars this summer. Jurgen Klopp's exit could have sent Dortmund into a downward spiral, but Aubameyang's renewed commitment adds to Mats Hummels, Ilkay Gundogan and Marco Reus all remaining at the club. They are four players Tuchel can build his new side around.

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Aubameyang's outright pace and versatility make him an essential part of this Dortmund squad. He is extremely useful in counter-attacking situations and when latching on to through balls, but he can also be used to create havoc behind the main forward line if needed.

Dortmund finished seventh after being mired in a relegation battle during the first half of the 2014-15 campaign, and they can now look toward Aubameyang to help create a bright start to a new chapter in the club's history.