Arsenal Transfer News: Huge Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Bid Revealed by Agent

Arsenal had an £80 million bid for Borussia Dortmund star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang turned down in the summer, according to agent Vincenzo Morabito. 

The Italian represented Napoli and made an enquiry on their behalf into the Gabon international following Gonzalo Higuain's move to Juventus. He told Radio CRC (h/t Goal):

"

Sometime ago, I called Michael Zorc, Dortmund’s director of football, to talk about Aubameyang [on behalf of Napoli]. But the ‘no’ was absolutely categorical.

I know that this summer, Arsenal offered €90 million [£80 million] for Aubameyang, but Borussia didn’t want to hear anything about it.

"

A top centre-forward has been among the Gunners' most pressing needs in the transfer market for several years.

Arsenal ended up recruiting Lucas Perez this summer from Deportivo La Coruna, a player who didn't quite fit that bill but may prove to be a shrewd acquisition—the Spaniard is currently sidelined with injury until December.

While they evidently did not land Aubameyang, Gunners fans may be heartened to learn of their side's ambition to pursue him and make such a substantial bid.

The striker has already netted 14 goals in all competitions this season, and his exploits in the Bundesliga are unsurpassed, per WhoScored.com:

On Saturday, he bagged four goals and an assist in BVB's 5-2 thrashing of Hamburg. STV Sport's Scott McClymont was there to witness his stellar performance:

The 27-year-old netted 39 times for Dortmund last season and would be an automatic starter for virtually any club in Europe.

At Arsenal, he would transform them from title contenders to favourites, and their chances of challenging for the UEFA Champions League would be significantly improved also.

BVB have had a number of their top stars poached by wealthier clubs in recent years, most often rivals Bayern Munich—Robert Lewandowski, Mats Hummels and Mario Gotze have all moved there, though the latter has since returned.

However, if they're able to resist such a large offer for Aubameyang, it could be a sign the German side will no longer be forced to sell their best and brightest.

Equally, any of the undoubtedly countless teams that would jump at the chance to recruit Aubameyang will potentially need to offer a world-record fee to land him.