Aubameyang: Mkhitaryan link-up played big role in Arsenal move

by Graeme Jackson

Thursday Feb 08, 2018. 12:00

Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed that the chance to link-up with Henrikh Mkhitaryan played a big role in his move to Arsenal.

The 28-year-old became Arsenal’s club-record signing at the end of last month when he joined from Borussia Dortmund for 56million, just a few days after Mkhitaryan arrived at the Emirates Stadium as part of a deal which saw Alexis Sanchez head to Manchester United.

The pair made an immediate impact in a 5-1 win over Everton last weekend, with Aubameyang scoring on debut and Mkhitaryan racking up a trio of assists.

Aubameyang has explained that the prospect of a reunion with his former Dortmund teammate helped convince him to sign for Arsene Wenger's side.

"It's like [being reunited with] a brother, a good friend," Aubameyang told the Arsenal Weekly Podcast. "We played together in the past and I'm really happy to see him again.

"He called me a few times, he asked, 'Will you come or not?' I said, 'First you have to tell me if you sign or not'.

"He told me all was done and of course it was a big factor in coming here.

"We understand each other on and off the pitch, that's why it's easier on the pitch

"[The fans] have to be happy [to see us together], we will do our best of course, like we did in the past."