Remember all those reports last week claiming that Arsenal were “closing in” on Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, and that deal was essentially “agreed upon?” Well, it was all fake news. According to Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke, the talks have not even started yet.
The BVB boss did reveal yesterday that Arsenal made their first enquiry into trying to sign Aubameyang, but any potential deal is just in the beginning stages. Watzke told German newspaper Bild that he has had no contact at this point from from Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis in regards to this situation.
“We were contacted by Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis, where he informed us that he intends to talk to us,” said Watzke.
“That, however, did not happen yet. There are no current talks.”
On Thursday, Arsene Wenger responded to a question about Aubameyang transfer rumors, which were swirling around the news cycle, at least partially fueled by the striker’s being dropped from the BVB squad versus Hertha Berlin (he is currently suspended from first-team duty for missing a pre-match meeting).
Borussia Dortmund Sporting Director Michael Zorc didn’t take too kindly to Wenger’s response, getting angered by the fact the Gunners boss was openly discussing his club’s player. Zorc did not pass up the opportunity to throw shade at Wenger and Arsenal in general as he made his retort.
With Alexis Sanchez arriving at Manchester United to undergo his medical ahead of his transfer to Old Trafford, it appears that Henrikh Mkhitaryan is part of the immediate plan to try and replace the Chilean. Obviously, Aubameyang is supposed to be part of that strategy as well…eventually.
This is not the first time that Arsenal have dragged their feet in trying to find a Sanchez replacement. A big reason Alexis didn’t move to Manchester City in the summer is because the north London side badly botched their approach for Thomas Lemar.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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