Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang relishing Arsenal reunion as Chelsea 'determined' to close gap to league leaders

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is ready and determined to beat his former club Arsenal this weekend when Chelsea host the Gunners at Stamford Bridge.

The 33-year-old will face his former club for the first time since departing back in January for Barcelona, before he returned to England in the summer to join their London rivals.

Aubameyang made 213 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 92 goals, while netting just three for the Blues so far in 11 games in all competitions.

The Gabon international fell out with Mikel Arteta, which saw Arsenal part company to back their manager who has now guided them to the top of the Premier League, and now Aubameyang will be looking to inflict misery on his former side.

In BT Sports’ preview for the game, he said: "Arsenal... it's nothing personal. I'm back. I'm blue. I'm ready. Let's go!"

Arteta is aware of the threat Aubameyang will pose to his side on Sunday as they look to extend their lead at the top of the table. Arsenal are also currently ten points clear of Chelsea, who sit in sixth after 12 games.

On Aubameyang, the Arsenal boss said: “Very dangerous.

"If Auba has something, it’s the ability to put the ball in the back of the net and he’s going to be doing that until the day that he decides he’s had enough of football.

“We will have to look first of all at what Chelsea do and try to put a plan together to avoid that.”

Potter knows the magnitude of the game on Sunday and isn’t worried about the narrative surrounding Aubameyang coming up against his old side.

The 47-year-old admitted it’s been business as usual for the forward ahead of the game, but knows he will be determined once matchday comes on Sunday for the lunchtime kick off.

Potter told reporters: "It's a big game, London derby. Two good teams, Arsenal are doing really well.

"The history makes it an interesting one for Auba. The past is the past as far as we are concerned.

"We are focused on the game and want to play well.

"He's looking forward to the game. He's been pretty normal (this week).

"Come matchday, I'm sure he will be pretty determined."