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Wenger offers encouraging update on Arsenal’s pursuit of £53m star

By on January 18, 2018

Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this month and suggested the Borussia Dortmund hitman would fit in well at Arsenal if he does join the club.

Aubameyang has been strongly linked with a switch to the Emirates this week with the Dortmund striker seemingly lined-up as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez – who’s set to join Man Utd.

The Metro claim that Aubameyang’s agent – and father – has travelled to London to try and thrash out a deal with Arsenal hoping to sign the Gabon international for around £53m.

There have also been reports coming out of Germany that the 28-year-old has agreed personal terms with Arsenal and is trying to force a move after supposedly handing in a transfer request.

Amid all the speculation, Wenger was quizzed about his pursuit of the striker and he gave an encouraging response after refusing to rule out a move and suggested that it was better for him to say nothing until a deal is done.

When asked about Aubameyang at his press conference this morning, Wenger is quoted by the Metro as saying:

‘No. I have nothing to add to that. We are, with this kind of thing, better when it is secret and announce when it’s over the line. Apart from the deal [involving Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan] which could happen, yes. Nothing else is close.’

Aubameyang is understood to be desperate to leave after being axed for Dortmund’s clash with Wolfsburg last weekend following his latest disciplinary issue.

It was the third time the player has been slapped with an internal suspension in just over a year but Wenger feels a strong character can have a positive influence on the team.

When asked if Aubameyang would fit in well at Arsenal, Wenger continued:

‘Yes, because character can be very positive and very negative. Overall you look at the achievement of a player over their career and usually his character has been used in a positive way.’

Wenger would have stated categorically if we weren’t in for Aubameyang so it seems our interest is genuine and a possible deal is in the pipeline. Let’s hope we can get it over the line as he’d be a superb addition to the squad.

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