Aubameyang eyes Lacazette link-up
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG says sparks will fly this season if Arsenal boss Unai Emery partners him with Alexandre Lacazette.
French striker Lacazette started the Gunners’ 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday as a substitute but came on for the last 36 minutes to play alongside Aubameyang.
And now the Gabon striker, a January signing from Borussia Dortmund, wants to form a deadly double act with the ex-Lyon man against Chelsea this weekend.
Aubameyang, who scored 10 times in 13 league games last season while Lacazette hit 14 in 32, believes they can form a dangerous alliance.
He said: “We really get on well. There is a spark between us when we are both on the pitch together.
“We look for each other, we saw it on Sunday against City when he came on.
“I don’t mind playing on the left if Laca is in the centre. We both want to do our best for the team.”
Aubameyang also insists Arsenal have nowhere to hide after their tactics and performance were heavily criticised against City. But he has pleaded for patience as the Gunners get to grips with Emery’s new pressing style and insistence on playing out from the back.
“We still need time to adapt to the new manager and to integrate the new players,” Aubameyang told ESPN.
Maximum
“It is hard to test ourselves in a first game like this against City because they are so strong. We have to stay positive, work on the things and improve.
“We will have a better idea next weekend after the Chelsea game. Collectively, we want to play every competition to the maximum. We can’t hide.
“It would be great to end the season with one or more trophies. The league is obviously the priority because it has been a while since Arsenal won it. It will be tricky, though, and we know that.
“Personally, I want to contribute as much as I can with goals and assists. I don’t have a figure in mind but I really think it will be a very good season like the ones I had in the past at Dortmund.”
Aubameyang scored 141 goals in 213 games for the German side and insists he is already fully settled in and determined to prove his best is yet to come.
He said: “It was beneficial for me to arrive at Arsenal last January so I had six months to get used to the league, the country, the culture, so I could be ready for my first full season.
“It was not easy at the beginning six months ago. It was such a big change. It was hard to find the rhythm, especially physically. But this time I am ready. I am really feeling good.”