Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang believes Arsenal’s club-record £72million signing Nicolas Pepe can help form a devastating attacking unit to match Liverpool’s celebrated front three.
Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino scored 69 goals last season as Jurgen Klopp’s side finished second in the Premier League before beating Tottenham to win the Champions League in May.
Aubameyang tied with Salah and Mane in the race for the Golden Boot, a product of his burgeoning relationship with Alexandre Lacazette. The pair managed 50 goals between them last term.
The Gunners have since splashed the cash to add Pepe, who produced a promising display as a second-half substitute against Burnley last weekend with head coach Unai Emery hinting he could be in line to start when Arsenal face Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.
Emery has favoured a 4-2-3-1 system so far this season but could still accommodate Aubameyang, Lacazette and Pepe in the same line-up and the Gabon striker said: “As we've seen from last season, Liverpool play with three up front and they play very well. Why not us? I think we can do it.
"It will be a tough game against them. They are great players. They always try to go forward and try to get goals and assist each other. They are one of the best trios in the world.
"I see a lot of similarities. Pepe and me, we are quick players like Mane and Salah, while Laca is a player who can keep the ball and is really good with his feet like Firmino. So yes, we can say we are close enough."
Aubameyang already has two goals in two matches this season as he continues his fine form from last term.
The 30-year-old’s overall record stands at 34 goals in 51 games; the only players to score more from their opening 50 appearances are Alan Shearer, Andy Cole, Salah and Kevin Philips.
"My target this year is to get more goals than last season," Aubameyang told Sky Sports.
"It was only my first full season so I can be happy because I shared the Golden Boot with Salah and Mane from Liverpool. It was a big challenge, but I did it and I'm really happy.
"This season, first of all, hopefully we can reach our goal of qualifying for the Champions League and of course, personally yes, if I can get more goals than last season, I'd be happy.
“Hopefully it's going to be a good season for Arsenal.”
Emery will make late calls on Mesut Ozil (illness) and Granit Xhaka (groin) after they returned to full training this week.
