Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Gregoire Defrel, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Rumours

Arsenal have reportedly been tracking Sassuolo forward Gregoire Defrel, although they could face competition from Liverpool for the player’s signature.

That’s according to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, who has stated the Gunners have already sent scouts to watch the Frenchman three times this season. The Reds are also noted as an interested party, with Defrel impressing in recent outings for the Neroverdi, while Crystal Palace and Swansea City reportedly targeted him last summer.

Indeed, the 25-year-old has been a potent threat up top for a progressive Sassuolo side. Here is a glimpse of what he can offer:

The Gunners moved to bring in Lucas Perez during the transfer window, and he adds something different to the XI at the point of the attack to long-term striker Olivier Giroud. Nonetheless, another forward would be welcomed by those tied to the Emirates Stadium outfit, as they go in search of the league title.

Defrel would be an intriguing option, too. He’s currently in his second season with the Serie A side and, after taking some time to settle into life at the club, has kicked on brilliantly. As these numbers from Squawka Football show, Defrel is difficult to contain when he’s got the ball at his feet:

In Serie A, he’s already bagged four goals in five games, forming a potent partnership with Domencio Berardi up top. Defrel can operate through the middle and on either flank, another trait that would potentially appeal to manager Arsene Wenger.

You wonder whether it would be the right time for the Frenchman to make such a significant move in his career, though. Defrel has become a key man in a side that is battling to qualify for European competition, and while the prospect of the Premier League would be alluring, at a club like Arsenal, minutes would be difficult to come by.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Bid Revealed

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According to El Confidencial (h/t James Dickenson of the Daily Express) Arsenal made a €60 million (£52 million) bid for Borussia Dortmund forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer.

The Gunners are said to have lodged the offer before they secured Perez, although it’s noted the Bundesliga side wanted €100 million (£86.7 million) for their star striker. It’s also noted Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid hold an interest in the player, although Real Madrid did not bid for him.

The Gabon international enjoyed the finest season of his career last term, leading the Dortmund attack with pace, power and a ruthless eye for goal when he found himself in good positions. Here’s a reminder of some of his best moments:

Aubameyang’s evolution in recent seasons has been marvellous to track. No longer is he a speed merchant used as an outlet on the flanks, he’s now positionally astute and varied in the way he takes chances playing as a centre-forward.

After netting 25 league goals last term, as we can see courtesy of WhoScored.com, Aubameyang has started 2015-17 with a bang, too:

For Arsenal, Aubameyang would have been a tremendous acquisition. His searing speed would have not only caused significant problems for opposition defences, it would have conjured more space for the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez to work in.

Nonetheless, the amount said to be demanded by BVB is an enormous figure, and subsequently, it’s no great surprise the Gunners were put off in their pursuit. Aubameyang is a wonderful striker, although that kind of outlay would have represented a major gamble for a player unproven in English football.