Wednesday 27 July 2016 18:08, UK
Marko Arnautovic has signed a new four-year deal with Stoke, days after being linked with a move to Everton.
The Austria international was due to become a free agent at the end of the 2016-17, but is now committed to the club until the summer of 2020.
Arnautovic has been at the Bet365 Stadium since 2013, when he joined Stoke from Werder Bremen for £2m. The forward enjoyed his most prolific season in 2015-16 when he scored 11 Premier League goals.
Arnautovic's success saw him linked with a move to Everton, with Ronald Koeman keen to add to his attacking options, although Sky sources reported on Tuesday that Arnautovic was 'focused on Stoke', at least for the coming season.
"I am proud and thrilled to finally let to you know that I am going to stay a Potter," Arnautovic posted on his Instagram account.
"I suppose sometimes it takes a bit longer to make the right decision and this one comes from my heart."
The club's chief executive Tony Scholes added: "It has been a lengthy process but these things often are. Marko is settled in England and very happy at Stoke City which is why he has taken the decision to re-sign for a further four years. It's a major boost to us as we prepare for the new season.
"I think Marko understood that he has something really good here. He's always been very appreciative of what we've been able to do for him and obviously vice versa what he has done for the team and group.
"He's well liked and I just felt it was important that we got him to recommit."
