Arsene Wenger says Aubameyang and Henry comparisons are premature

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has warned it is too early to make comparisons between Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Thierry Henry.

Club-record signing Aubameyang shone on his Gunners debut last weekend, scoring in a 5-1 victory over Everton.

The Gabon international has taken the number 14 shirt at Arsenal previously worn by Henry – the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Ahead of Arsenal’s north London derby against Tottenham at Wembley on Saturday, Wenger urged caution over likening the pair – although he was pleased Aubameyang has set such lofty aspirations.

“It is an ambitious statement but it is a good one,” he said.

“(Henry is) the best goalscorer ever in Arsenal’s history, so it doesn’t mean he will score as many goals but why not?

“I would say (Aubameyang is most like) Thierry Henry with his quality of runs. But it’s a bit too early to compare him to the best player ever who played here.

“He has played one game. But it’s a good example to follow. His finish was brilliant. His finishing is good. You don’t score by coincidence for so many years, if you score many goals.”

“What we have observed is that the transfer nowadays from the goals scored in other leagues does not necessarily transfer 100 per cent to the English Premier League,” he said.

“When we played at Swansea, we played against 10 men in the last 25 yards and that doesn’t exist anywhere in Europe. To be as prolific in the Premier League is today much more difficult.”