Mkhitaryan relishing Aubameyang partnership at Arsenal

LONDON: Arsenal playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan is delighted after reuniting with strike partner and good friend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the Premier League club.

The duo played together for three years at Germany’s Borussia Dortmund from 2013 and their partnership was best showcased in the 2015-16 season when they notched a combined 62 goals and 44 assists across all competitions.

The pacey pair got off to a flying start at Arsenal, after Mkhitaryan joined the team last month from Manchester United, with the Armenian providing three assists and Aubameyang scoring his first goal during a 5-1 league win over Everton.

“We did not have too much time to train together (before the Everton game),” Mkhitaryan told the club’s website www.arsenal.com.

“He came a bit late, like two days before the game and he had been training only twice,” he added of Aubameyang’s transfer from Dortmund.

“I thought it could only be in a dream that we could join another club other than Dortmund but I am very happy for that. I know him very well, he is one of my best friends and one of the best teammates I have every had.

“I am very happy to have him here and I think all the fans are happy to see him in an Arsenal shirt. What can I say? I love playing with him.”

The pair failed to impress in Arsenal’s defeat to Tottenham last weekend but have the chance to rekindle their partnership during a crucial period for the club.

Aubameyang is not eligible to play for Arsenal in the Europa League, meaning he will miss both legs of the knockout-stage tie against Ostersunds, but the 28-year-old Gabon international could return in a double header against Manchester City.

Arsenal play City in the League Cup final on Feb 25 and then host Pep Guardiola’s side in the league four days later.