ARSENAL ARE close to an agreement to sign Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund for about £60m, BBC Sport reports. With negotiations between Chelsea and Edin Dzeko proving to be hard, it has also been reported that Giroud has now become the first choice target of the Blues.
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But the Blues’ Italian chief Antonio Conte is keen on Giroud, particularly now a move for Roma’s Edin Dzeko has collapsed.
Aubameyang, 28, has been subject of negotiations between the Gunners and Dortmund for several weeks, with Arsenal refusing to meet the Bundesliga side’s £70m asking price.
Dortmund want to loan Michy Batshuayi, the Belgian striker who is desperate for more action to make Belgium’s World Cup squad.
Arsenal hero Ian Wright does not want to see Giroud join Chelsea this month. But it may be the best option to guarantee securing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
One source told Sky Sports News on Sunday night that Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud may yet be involved in a deal to bring Aubameyang to the Emirates.
The Bundesliga club turned down a bid of 50m euros (£43.64m) from Arsenal on Wednesday.
Having reportedly agreed personal terms with Aubameyang, Arsenal and Dortmund were locked in talks as the Germans rejected two offers from the Gunners.
The north London outfit sits sixth in the English top flight, five points off fourth-placed Liverpool with 14 matches remaining.
Dortmund has now set their eyes on Tianjin Quanjian’s Anthony Modeste.
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While there is no concrete assurance from Wenger, it will be heartwarming for the Arsenal fans to know that they have a chance to keep Mesut Ozil beyond the summer.
