Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Theo Walcott

Arsene Wenger has said Arsenal won't make a move for Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the January transfer window. The Gunners manager also revealed he wants Theo Walcott to stay amid rumours linking the forward with a return to old club Southampton.

Wenger was emphatic when asked about a potential bid for Aubameyang, per Alex Young of the London Evening Standard: "No, that is not a possibility."

The Frenchman's denial comes hot on the heels of rumours linking Aubameyang with a move to north London. A report from Sky in Italy (h/t Sky Sports) named the Gabon international striker as Arsenal's preferred choice to replace Alexis Sanchez, who is out of contract in the summer and remains the subject of interest from Premier League rivals Manchester City.

Aubameyang may not be the most natural fit as an alternative to the Gunners' attacking talisman, despite his pace and scoring instincts. The Dortmund star has been prolific since converting from a wide role into a central striker, scoring 21 goals in all competitions already.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

While Aubameyang has become a predator through the middle, Sanchez has done his best work for Arsenal cutting in off the left flank. The Gunners spent a club-record initial £46.5 million to sign Alexandre Lacazette in the summer and need options out wide rather than through the middle.

Wenger could put Aubameyang back out wide after showing interest in the former winger when he played for Ligue 1 side St. Etienne.

Of course, Arsenal won't need a new wide player in January if Walcott sticks around, as Wenger hopes, per Young: "I want him to stay. I heard about (a possible exit) but I want him to stay."

Walcott has been heavily linked with a return to Southampton, with Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports reporting Saints are "favourites" to sign their former teenage sensation. Serie A side AC Milan are also in the mix after Italian publication Corriere dello Sport (h/t the Daily Mirror) revealed the 28-year-old has offered himself to the Rossoneri.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

He hasn't started a Premier League game this season, but Walcott still has obvious value for Arsenal in the cup competitions. The England international has scored four times in helping the club reach the last-32 of the UEFA Europa League, while also netting a winning goal during the Gunners' run to the semi-final of the Carabao Cup.

Arsenal are about to begin a defence of the FA Cup when they face Nottingham Forest away in the third round on Sunday. Wenger has already said he will rotate his squad for the game, per James Olley of the London Evening Standard.

Selling Walcott would leave Arsenal with Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud backing up Lacazette and Sanchez. Giroud is dealing with a hamstring injury, further stretching the Gunners' options in attack.

BEN STANSALL/Getty Images

Walcott has had his struggles, but his pace and movement still suit a team adept at playing between the lines when at its best.

Landing Aubameyang would be a statement in January, but Wenger's squad has more obvious needs, such as finding help at centre-back and for the heart of midfield. The better move would be to wait until the summer before adding a new marquee forward and moving Walcott on.