Liverpool Transfer News: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Hatem Ben Arfa, Top Rumours

Borussia Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has backed his former manager Jurgen Klopp to win the UEFA Europa League at Liverpool, but the prolific striker has his sights set on a transfer to La Liga.

Klopp has already guided the Reds to the semi-final of Europe's second-tier competition. Their berth in the final four came at the expense of Aubameyang and Dortmund.

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Now, the attacker believes Klopp will finish the job after proving decisive in his old club's downfall. He stated his belief at a recent Meet A Star event in Germany (h/t MailOnline's Rory Brigstock-Barron):

"

For sure I think Jurgen Klopp was a factor. When we played here in Dortmund everybody was speaking about him after that [and] I think because he knew us... I think normally if we do more pressing it would be good.

They [Liverpool] have something special and I think Jurgen Klopp brings this energy. They can win every time - also when they lose, they can come back and they have something special. I think. That's why I say they can win the Europa league for sure.

"

To make good on Aubameyang's claim, Klopp will need to first guide Liverpool past a tough Villarreal squad. The Yellow Submarine are expertly guided by shrewd manager Marcelino, who has shaped a resourceful team by getting the most out of some castoff players, including ex-Tottenham Hotspur striker Roberto Soldado.

Klopp would surely love to take on Marcelino's men armed with a striker as prolific Aubameyang. The 26-year-old has been ruthlessly efficient in front of goal this season, finding the net 34 times in all club competitions, per WhoScored.com.

Such an impressive scoring run has naturally drawn transfer interest in the Gabon international. Back in October, the Sun (h/t James Dickenson of the Daily Express) suggested Liverpool might explore a £35 million bid to reunite player and manager.

More recently, French source Le 10 Sport (h/t James Whaling of the Daily Mirror) reported Arsenal would offer £63.2 million to beat Manchester United to Aubameyang's signature.

But the player himself seems determined to test himself in Spain, per his comments relayed by Brigstock-Barron: "My dream is to play in Spain because my mother is from Spain. I have some family there, it's one of my dreams. For the moment I'm in Germany but I watch the Premier League."

B/R's Sam Tighe has identified which Spanish giant would suit Aubameyang best:

Aubameyang may not be ready to help out his old boss directly, but Klopp has other ways to boost his team's attack next season.

Ben Arfa Ignores Reports

Nice playmaker Hatem Ben Arfa has shied away from questions linking him with a move to Anfield, insisting his representatives are in charge.

Ben Arfa offered this cryptic response about a Liverpool move to French publication L'Equipe (h/t James Cambridge of the Daily Express): "I don't like to talk about it. I have advisers who take care of these things and I am focused on the club's objectives."

Cambridge also carried details of a report from French outlet RMC Sport suggesting Liverpool have already made Ben Arfa an offer. The mercurial winger's contract expires this summer, and based on his form this season, Ben Arfa would be a steal on a free.

Matt Spiro of beIN Sports was full of praise for one of Ben Arfa's recent performances:

OptaJean summed up his excellent season:

He may have flattered to deceive, frankly a career pattern, with Newcastle United during his original spell in the Premier League, but Ben Arfa has the talent to be an asset for any forward line provided he is properly motivated.

Given the "energy" Aubameyang credited Klopp with, the German may be the ideal manager to finally realise Ben Arfa's full potential.