The £52.7m summer signing from Lyon has made a stunning start to his career at the Emirates, scoring four times in his first seven games.
But life could have been so different for the French striker, who had a natural goalscoring instinct even as a child.
“My favourite position was always as a centre forward or striker,” he said.
“I did like playing in goal too but my mum wasn't very keen as she thought being a goalie was too dangerous. She said that I either played as a forward or not at all.
“Sometimes I was embarrassed for the opposition if there was a huge goal difference between the two teams but that didn't happen all the time.
“I suppose temperament wise, I was quite reserved - as I still am. I just liked playing football with my friends.”
Arsenal fans will be grateful that their record signing had a change of heart, after his brace in their 2-0 win over West Brom made him their first player to score in his first three home games since 1988.
Arsene Wenger’s side are unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions and currently sit fifth in the Premier League, level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea.
They return to action this weekend with a trip to Watford (5:30pm).