Mikel Arteta remains hopeful Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be an Arsenal player beyond the summer after the forward’s latest goalscoring exploits.

The 30-year-old bagged a brace on Sunday as the Gunners recovered from conceding after 49 seconds to beat Everton 3-2 in a thrilling Premier League clash.

Eddie Nketiah cancelled out Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s acrobatic early opener before Aubameyang struck either side of Richarlison’s equaliser to give the Gunners a third straight win in all competitions.

One positive for the Toffees was the return of Andre Gomes from the serious ankle injury he suffered against Tottenham in November – the Portugal midfielder was a second-half substitute but was quickly earmarked for a bigger role against Manchester United next time out.

Ancelotti said: “In the second half there was more space and when Andre Gomes came in, the team improved a lot with possession.

“I’ve seen Andre Gomes in training – he trained without problem. I was sure he could play from the beginning. He will start the next game.”

Gomes himself told Sky Sports: “I need to thank everyone – the team were great, the supporters, Evertonians and in general football supporters. Also other professional players, everybody’s been wonderful with me.

“It gives you confidence. I pushed myself to the limit, I wanted to be back as soon as possible.”