Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang says he can’t wait to line up with new arrival Nicolas Pepe after being impressed with the Ivorian’s performances in training.
Pepe, who became the club’s record signing when joining in a £72million move from Lille this summer, made his Premier League debut as a second half substitute in the Gunners’ 1-0 win away at Newcastle on Sunday.
The cameo was Pepe’s first appearance in an Arsenal shirt, having not featured in preseason, and Aubameyang, who scored the game’s only goal, is excited about the prospect of playing alongside the 24-year-old more regularly.
“I’m looking forward to it, because he’s a really great player,” said Aubameyang, in an interview on the club's official website. “He’s already shown in training that he’s capable of doing great things with us. Hopefully he will start soon.”
Having seen the likes of Mo Salah, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling open their accounts for the season at the first time of asking over the weekend, Aubameyang’s strike at St. James’ Park provided the ideal start to the defence of his Golden Boot.
The 30-year-old scored 22 league goals last season to share the prize with Salah and Sadio Mane, and says keeping that title is on his agenda.
In Pictures | Newcastle vs Arsenal | 11/08/2019
“As a striker of course it’s in the mind,” he added. “But first of all, as I’ve always said, the most important is the team. I’m really happy that the goal could help us to win the game.”
