Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's transformation and claims that he 'prefers' the new version of the 32-year-old.

Malaria, disciplinary issues and personal matters all plagued Aubameyang in his disappointing 2021-22 season, but he is already sitting on seven goals and two assists from nine games in all tournaments this term.

The Gunners captain has not only caught the eye thanks to his goalscoring touch, with Arteta believing that his all-round play has developed to help his side amid their improving form.

Speaking to the official Arsenal website, Arteta said: "I wouldn't go to the goals, again it is what Aubameyang is transmitting on the pitch. I have never seen Aubameyang transmit what he is doing now.

"Apart from the goals, the celebration when they put the ball in the net, do you see the way he runs, the purpose he has to press the ball, and, when he takes it his movement, his link, how he is leading the game, not when he is static, and then he puts the ball in the net? I prefer this Aubameyang."

Four of Aubameyang's goals this season have come in the Premier League, with the Gunners now 10th in the table after winning four of their last six top-flight games.