Arsenal ‘optimistic’ of completing £53m Aubameyang transfer

Arsenal are ‘optimistic’ of completing the £53m signing of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang according to Spanish journalist Guillem Balague.

The Gabon International has been linked with a departure from Borussia Dortmund for several years, with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid just some of the teams thought to have been interested.

 

However his departure has looked increasingly likely in recent months, having been forced to miss matches on three separate occasions this season for what has been described as “disciplinary reasons”. Despite his off the field troubles with the club, the 28-year-old has still managed to score 13 goals and provide three assists in just 15 Bundesliga appearances this season.

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Now, Guillem Balague has told Sky Sports that Arsenal are ‘optimistic’ of landing the striker in a €60m deal as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez, who looks set to complete a move to Manchester United. Balague said:

“Arsenal have a few signings they want to confirm in the next few days. One of them they want to close and finalise is Aubameyang. They are willing to pay €60m. So they hope Dortmund accepts, and are very optimistic that this could be the case.

“It would take perhaps longer than Alexis, but they’re putting all of their eggs in that basket. They think he would be a perfect replacement to Alexis, and would work really well with Lacazette.

“I think the Alexis situation will be resolved beforehand, and when people realise the cost of Aubameyang, you wonder if many other clubs will go into the auction.

“Aubameyang wants a deal, Arsenal want a deal, we’ll have to see what Dortmund say about it. It won’t be the only signing Arsenal make, as they are after two more signings to strengthen this month to reinforce the side. As we saw at the weekend, they need it.”

Arsenal are also thought to have held talks with Brazilian winger Malcom on Sunday.