Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Yoann Gourcuff Rumours
Arsenal are ready to splash the cash in an attempt to land Borussia Dortmund star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
German press outlet RevierSport (h/t James Cambridge of the Express) say the Gunners have had a £28.7 million bid turned down by BVB, with the Bundesliga side looking for £31 million for the striker.
Arsene Wenger is said to have been "keen on the player for some time," per Cambridge, with the French coach looking to boost his attacking options.
Wenger recently spoke about potential transfer activity, saying he is on the lookout for top-class talent to add, per Matt Barlow of Mail Online:
"If I find an exceptional player to strengthen, I will do it. It depends what's on the market. It's not easy, there are a lot of teams out there in Europe competing for the same player. We don't rule it out and we don't guarantee we will sign."
Aubameyang has had an excellent time at Dortmund since his transfer two years ago, and the Gabon international performed well last term, despite his team's fall from grace in the German league.
The striker hit 16 goals in 31 Bundesliga starts in 2014-15, per WhoScored.com, earmarking him as a special talent.
Arsenal have a host of diminutive midfielders in their squad—but they lack a truly potent striker.
Theo Walcott could see himself moved to a central berth, with the wider and deeper roles congested, but Wenger might require fresh blood at the point of the attack.
Aubameyang also has the ability to play as an attacking midfielder, making him the type of diverse signing that will interest Wenger.
Gourcuff To Become A Gunner?
After many years of Yoann Gourcuff's name being linked with Wenger and Arsenal, the 29-year-old might now be in line to join the Gunners on a free transfer.
TalkSport reports the player, who has been released by Lyon, was due to find his way back to former club Bordeaux—but they have withdrawn their interest, opening the door for the north London superclub.
Gourcuff is also subject of interest from Manchester City and Liverpool, with the Premier League a likely option for the player due to his high wages, per TalkSport.
Gourcuff managed just nine Ligue 1 starts for Lyon last term, per WhoScored, but he provided a return of three goals and four assists.
At his best, Gourcuff was one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe, and Wenger could be tempted to revive the player's fortune, with no transfer fee involved.
Bleacher Report's Andy Brassell recently considered the options currently available to Wenger in the transfer market and gave his opinion:
Aubameyang would be an interesting addition to Arsenal's attack, with his strong finishing capabilities, but it is questionable whether he has the technique to be in the Gunners' attack, who rely on one touch passing and movement.
Gourcuff would be a strange addition, despite still being the right side of 30, as his best days have long gone.
Wenger may believe the player can offer his side something different in the centre of the park, but with Arsenal blessed in this department, Gourcuff looks like a non-starter.
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