Adebayor signs new Arsenal deal

(GETTY IMAGES)

Emmanuel Adebayor has signed a new contract with Arsenal.

The Togo international, who smashed 30 goals last season, was the subject of much transfer speculation during the summer, with AC Milan and Barcelona both showing a strong interest in the £35m-rated striker.

However, the 24-year-old - plucked from Monaco in January 2006 - announced on the eve of the new campaign he would be staying with the Gunners and had agreed terms on an improved deal, which has now been sealed.

A statement on the club's official website, www.arsenal.com, read: "Arsenal can today confirm that Togolese forward Emmanuel Adebayor has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

"Everyone at Arsenal looks forward to Emmanuel's continued contribution to the club over the coming years."

The new deal, reported to be worth around £80,000 a week, is set to tie the striker to Arsenal until at least 2012.

Adebayor had received something of a mixed reception from some Arsenal fans on his return to action, most noticeably at the start of the Emirates Cup earlier this month and the boo-boys again let their feelings be known at times in the opening match of the Barclays Premier League season against West Brom on Saturday.

However, manager Arsene Wenger sees no reason why the striker should not receive the full backing from everyone.

He said: "We have to get behind him and support him because he is a tremendous force and (is of) tremendous importance for the team - you want your own fans to be behind him.

"What happened in the transfer period did not always reflect his deep desire and there was manipulation from agents on both sides, but overall I am positive he will recover."

Wenger added: "Every player needs to feel wanted.

"I think he is settled in his own mind. He has given a lot in the first two games."