Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set for a reunion with Mikel Arteta this weekend as Arsenal face off against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. The former Gunners captain could start the game in what will be his first appearance against his previous club since leaving earlier this year.
The exit came in difficult fashion as the Gabon international was cut adrift from the first-team squad after breaching disciplinary procedures. The relationship between Aubameyang and his manager seemed fractured, enough for the club to decide he should leave as his contract was terminated by mutual consent in late January.
The striker then secured a move to Barcelona for a few months before switching back to London with rivals Chelsea, setting up the meeting of sides again. A video of the 33-year-old emerged from his time in Catalonia, aiming a dig at his former boss by claiming he couldn't deal with big characters.
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Aubameyang has since clarified the situation, claiming he has no hard feelings to his former club as it was an older video. Arteta was asked about his assessment of the comments and replied: "People are free to discuss what they want. I have never been in a better dressing room (than this season) - more enjoyable, more hard-working, a better relationship between staff and players and it is an absolute pleasure as a coach to be a part of this group."
It has left the clash finely poised for plenty of storylines surrounding the pair facing off once again, with either on one side of the London derby. His switch to Stamford Bridge raised plenty of eyebrows, especially since former boss Thomas Tuchel left just a few days into his time at the club.
The forward now has three goals in his opening 11 appearances for the Blues, but with his all-round play bearing much more importance for the side. He will certainly be fired up ahead of the London derby that could see him ruin the title hopes of his former side.
Ahead of the clash, Aubameyang has sent a message to the Gunners as part of a promotion for the game on BT Sports. He said: "Arsenal, nothing personal. I'm back, I'm blue, I'm ready. Let's go."
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