Aubameyang reveals it was ‘love at first sight’ with Lacazette… giving fans hope in-demand pair will snub transfers away
ARSENAL fans are praying they keep deadly strike partners Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the pair revealed the details behind their bromance.
The combination developed into one of the only positives of a difficult first campaign for Unai Emery, but are both linked with moves away.
Manchester United are reportedly in on Aubameyang – a move the Gabon star is said to be keen on – whereas Lacazette is of interest to Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
For Arsenal, their chemistry on the pitch and off it is seen as a key reason for them to stay.
Speaking alongside his teammate to FourFourTwo, Aubameyang described how their bromance blossomed after they joined from Saint-Etienne and Lyon: “I don’t think we’d actually talked to each other before.
“We were opponents in one of France’s biggest rivalries. He was a really good striker, but I had no hate towards him – a few of his teammates maybe, but Laca was cool.
“I came to Arsenal and there he was. It was good to see him.
“It was love at first sight!”
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When Aubameyang joined Lacazette in North London 18 months ago, the Frenchman looked forward to working with him after glowing reviews from mutual friends.
The 28-year-old knew Aubameyang was “the kind of guy I want to hang out with”, adding that he isn’t “flashy” but a “simple man with good values”.
Lacazette noted: “I was really happy when Auba arrived, because I knew what a great striker he was.
“He was the kind of player I joined Arsenal to play with.
“At first people were saying ‘Hey, he’s coming to take your place’, but I always knew we could play together.”
Gunners boss Emery faced criticism for rotating the strikers during his time in charge and the players are clear on their favoured formation.
Aubameyang added: “We’re both centre forwards and that’s the best place for us: to play as a pair. It’s rare these days for teams to play with two strikers and I think it gives Arsenal something extra compared with other teams.
“Obviously, it’s up to the coach what he wants to do, but we love playing like this.”
Likewise, Lacazette continued: “We have a very good understanding. We talk a lot away from the pitch and that helps u when we step out there for a game.
“I know the things he’ll try to do – the way he’s going to move – and he knows the same about me.”
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While the forwards were highly complimentary of one another, 30-year-old Aubameyang did offer one area of improvement for his Arsenal colleague.
“He’s got a lot,” he considered. “He’s not so tall, but he’s very very strong and you can’t get the ball off him. He’s so powerful.
“But there are always things top improve. I can improve my heading. Actually, so can he!”