Arsenal Transfer News: Jorginho Blow, Latest Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Rumours

Napoli midfielder and reported Arsenal transfer target Jorginho is ready to discuss a new contract with the Partenopei, according to the player's agent.

Speaking to Radio Crc (h/t Football Italia), agent Joao Santos said he's unaware whether any Premier League clubs have made an offer for Jorginho's services:

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Offers from England? That’s a question for [sporting director Cristiano] Giuntoli, not me.

Certainly he’s doing well, so it’s normal that he’d arouse the interest of the big teams. I don’t know if Napoli are planning to conduct any negotiations.

If there are teams following him it’s obviously because they think Jorginho would be helpful to their cause. Sarri’s system has definitely put him in the best condition.

I’ve talked with Giuntoli by telephone, not just to talk about a renewal, but also to improve the lad’s situation.

As for a renewal, if Napoli want to talk, we’re ready to discuss it soon.

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The agent previously told Radio CRC (h/t Daily Star's Rhys Turrell) that he has spotted Arsenal scouts watching his client.

Jorginho has emerged as one of the top young midfielders in Serie A since moving to Napoli from Hellas Verona in 2014, and his play has only improved under new Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri, who has leaned heavily on the passing wizard.

Born in Brazil, Jorginho moved to Italy in 2007 and worked his way into the Hellas side, impressing along the way.

Alasdair Mackenzie of FourFourTwo really likes his game and thinks he would be a great fit for the Gunners:

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Should the north Londoners be successful with an offer, it's easy to see him fitting in well at the Emirates: as well as possessing ability on the ball that Wenger considers essential, the 23-year-old plays in a deeper role and would be a more technically capable, composed figure in front of the defence than Francis Coquelin, Mathieu Flamini or Mikel Arteta.

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Jorginho isn't a bruiser in front of the defence like Francis Coquelin but more of a deep-lying playmaker who can handle his defensive duties. Bayern Munich star Xabi Alonso wouldn't be a bad comparison in terms of playing style and passing range.

The Gunners have depth issues in central midfield, having to rely on the likes of Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta in case of injuries, and an influx of youth and talent is needed at the position. A bruiser to back up Coquelin would be preferred, but Jorginho would be a fantastic addition as well.

Here's a look at his great passing range:

The 23-year-old has tantalising potential as a playmaker and would fit well alongside Coquelin, allowing the latter to focus on stopping attacks and Jorginho to pick out attackers and distribute the ball.

Santi Cazorla is still fantastic at doing just that, but the Spaniard will be 31 by the end of this season, and a replacement will have to be found eventually. The Gunners could do far worse than Jorginho, who is already a much better defender than Cazorla and keeps improving every day.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Price Tag Revealed

Boris Streubel/Getty Images

According to Bild (h/t Daily Express' Uche Amako), Borussia Dortmund will hold out for a £42 million transfer fee for star forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has told reporters he dreams of playing in Spain one day.

The Gabon international has started the 2015-16 campaign in stunning form, scoring 14 goals in 12 Bundesliga appearances, per WhoScored.com. Unsurprisingly, transfer rumours have started to swirl, and the 26-year-old didn't help matters when he professed his love for Spanish football.

The £42 million price tag seems reasonable for a proven, athletic scorer whose prime should last for many more years, and German football expert Clark Whitney thinks Die Schwarzgelben would be wise to avoid a sale:

Aubameyang is an impressive physical specimen, combining blistering pace with great strength and instincts near the box. He's a very solid technician with quick feet and a huge threat on the counter-attack, but he can also play in the box, weigh on defenders and contest crosses.

Here's a look at what he brings to the table:

It sounds like a dream scenario for the Gunners, who could use a striker of his calibre. But unfortunately, there's a major obstacle standing in the way of a move. Per Amako, Aubameyang made it very clear he would spurn the chance to play in England if a Spanish team came calling:

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Maybe one day I'll leave to play in another league because my dream is to play in Spain. The Premier League? Lots of people think that it would good for me but my Mum is Spanish and I really have that dream to play over there.

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While Aubameyang never said he doesn't want to play in England, he does make it sound as if the Premier League doesn't really appeal to him. It doesn't mean the Gunners have no chance of landing him, but you'd assume a club like Real Madrid wouldn't hesitate for a second to sign him should he become available. 

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