Aubameyang ‘excited’ for Arsenal meeting
Chelsea’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is ‘excited’ for his Arsenal reunion when the two clubs face off in the London Derby today, but manager Graham Potter wanted the narrative to move away from the striker as his side seek a win to boost morale.
Aubameyang fell out with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta last season over disciplinary issues. He was initially relieved of the captaincy and his contract terminated ahead of a February move to Barcelona.
The Gabon international, 33, has scored 92 times in more than 150 appearances for Arsenal and returned to the Premier League in September, crossing the London divide to sign for Chelsea where he has netted three times in 11 games so far.
“The story makes it an interesting story for Auba. But the past is the past as far as we’re concerned,” Potter told reporters on Friday. “I don’t think we should talk about him.
“He’s an important part of the team for us, but you need everyone, not just one person. I understand the interest around him because it’s Arsenal. I think he’s waiting for the game with impatience.”
Chelsea secured a well-deserved Champions League victory in midweek after a slump in domestic form, after failing against Brentford and Manchester United and suffering a 4-1 humiliation at Potter’s former club Brighton & Hove Albion.
