Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has signed a new improved deal with the club tying him to the Gunners until 2012, according to an official statement Monday.

Togo international Adebayor scored 30 goals last season but was persistently linked with AC Milan and Barcelona during the summer.

However, a statement on the club`s official website revealed that "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 24-year-old Adebayor, whom Arsenal signed from Monaco in January 2006, said on the eve of the new season he would be staying put after agreeing terms on a new improved deal worth a reported 80,000 pounds (155,000 dollars) a week.

In pre-season friendly action some Arsenal fans barracked Adebayor amid the uncertainty over his future.

But coach Arsene Wenger expects him now to receive their full backing.

"We have to get behind him and support him because he is a tremendous force and (he 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."

AFP