The Gunners are reportedly on the verge of signing Borussia Dortmund ace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Arsene Wenger’s side has finally reached an agreement with the Bundesliga outfit who were holding out for a hefty fee. Arsenal previously saw their £50m offer for Aubameyang rejected by Dortmund, but now they have managed a breakthrough. However, as reported by Sky Sports, there is a big twist in the tale.
The Londoners already have an agreement with Aubameyang, however, he won’t be allowed to depart the Signal Iduna Park, unless Dortmund land a replacement for him. The deal has thus been complicated, with only a couple of days left before the transfer window slams shut.
What’s the Story?
The Gunners have been hell-bent to sign Aubameyang since the last fortnight. Ivan Gazidis, the club’s chief executive himself travelled to Germany along with Sven Mislintat, to secure the forward’s signature. Mislintat is the new head of recruitment in North London and he was crucial in landing the 28-year-old striker at Dortmund, back in 2013.
Dortmund’s Aubameyang has had another prolific season this year, despite his disciplinary issues.
Now, as per reports, Wenger’s delegation have succeeded in securing a deal, only to hit a stumbling block in the eleventh hour. The Black and Yellows will only sanction Aubameyang’s sale once they sign a replacement. Previously Olivier Giroud was thought to be included in the deal, however, he wants to join Chelsea instead.
Dortmund has now set their eyes on Tianjin Quanjian’s Anthony Modeste. The former Cologne striker could cost the Germans a mere €30m. Yet, their reluctance to part ways with Aubameyang will only complicate matters for Arsenal.
ARSENAL REACH AUBAMEYANG AGREEMENT
Arsenal have reached a £60m agreement in principle with Borussia Dortmund to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to Sky sources.
But there's more to it… read the full story here: https://t.co/9wxBZQJ65l pic.twitter.com/YrOXcZcNWP
— Sky Sports PL (@SkySportsPL) January 29, 2018
According to German football expert Jan Aage Fjortoft, the deal will most likely be completed soon.”Aubameyang-deal could be sorted today. Small details left on the contract between clubs. And player’s contract needs to be sorted,” he wrote on Twitter.
He further informed,”The only problem could the replacement Dortmund want to bring in. Most likely: Modeste. Playing for the Chinese club Tianjin Quanjian FC.”
If the deal does go through, Aubameyang will reunite with former Dortmund playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The Armenian recently joined the Gunners after swapping clubs with former Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez.
Author’s Take
Aubameyang is keen to join Arsenal however his future hangs in the balance right now. Having already missed a couple of games for Dortmund through disciplinary issues, it seems like he wants out of Germany. The next few days will unfold interesting events in this transfer saga.
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