Arsenal Transfer News: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Has Madrid Dream, Top Rumours

Arsenal's and Manchester United's hopes of signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have taken a fall after the player admitted he "dreams" of wearing the shirt of Real Madrid.

The prolific Borussia Dortmund hitman told Christophe Larcher of French newspaper L'Equipe (h/t George Bellshaw of Metro) he "promised" his grandfather he would one day represent Los Blancos, and he idolised former Madrid superstar Hugo Sanchez:

"

My childhood dream was to play for Real Madrid.

I promised my grandfather, who was from Avila some 110 kilometres away from Madrid, that I would play there.

I realise that it will not be easy, but it is always in the back of my mind.

I watched a lot of Hugo Sanchez videos when I was still a child. The somersault I sometimes do to celebrate a goal is a homage to him.

Playing for Real Madrid, or even another big Spanish club, would also be a great gift for my mother.

"

PATRIK STOLLARZ/Getty Images

According to John Cross of the Mirror, United were readying a £60 million move for Aubameyang in the summer and would offer him a £200,000-a-week contract to tempt him to join, but Arsenal are not prepared to meet BVB's incredible financial demands. 

The player's admission he favours Spain as a future home will further stretch the Premier League's top sides' efforts to acquire his signature, especially if the Galacticos join the race to capture the striker. 

Aubameyang's form has been electric since Jurgen Klopp's departure from BVB, and he is having the best season of his life, as highlighted by Squawka Football:

The Gunners have struggled in front of goal at times this season, and their lead at the top of the Premier League evaporated in quick time.

Olivier Giroud's form has been solid for the majority of the campaign, but Arsenal's lack of goalscorers has been an issue.

Here is a video of the Aubameyang's amazing prowess: 

In other news, Hull City want to make Isaac Hayden's loan move to the KC Stadium permanent after impressing manager Steve Bruce.

BBC Radio Humberside (h/t James Benge of the London Evening Standard) quoted Bruce admitting he wants to build the team around players of Hayden's type.

“With Nick Powell and Isaac Hayden I would love to make the deals permanent right now,” Bruce admitted. “They’re the type of young lads you build your club around. They [Arsenal] weren’t interested in January, but it’s something we’ll prolong and see what happens in the summer.”

PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

Hayden made his senior debut for the Gunners in 2013, but he has proved his talent in the Championship for the Tigers.

The 20-year-old has the capability to feature in both defence and midfield, and it will be a surprise if Arsene Wenger allows the youngster to depart at this point.

The Englishman is a homegrown talent who has a real chance of breaking into Wenger's plans, and his stay at Hull will be used to give him experience, rather than furthering Bruce's long-term mandate.