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WORLD FOOTBALL

    Arsenal Transfer News: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Move Rumoured

    James Dudko@@JamesDudkoX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistJanuary 14, 2018

    MARBELLA, SPAIN - JANUARY 08: Auba, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Dortmund gestures during the Friendly match between Borussia Dortmund and SV Zulte Waregem at Estadio Municipal de Marbella on January 08, 2018 in Marbella, Spain. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)
    TF-Images/Getty Images

    Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund to replace Alexis Sanchez.

    Sky Sports' Spanish football expert Guillem Balague tweeted to say Sanchez is expected to join Manchester United during the January transfer window, but Aubameyang could take his place if the Gunners can seal a deal worth €60 million.

    Balague also noted how Aubameyang was left out of the squad for Dortmund's game against Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga on Sunday, a fact confirmed by the Bundesliga on Twitter.

    It's led to speculation among some, including Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, that Aubameyang is about to move:

    Matt Law @Matt_Law_DT

    Hearing Aubmayeng expects to join a new club in the next 24 hours. Arsenal...?

    Bundesliga writer Lee Price (h/t Jack Wilson of the Daily Express) believes Arsenal and the player already have an agreement: "I understand the contract which has been agreed will make him the club's record earner ever. It's now up to a fee to be agreed with Arsenal and the Sanchez sale to be wrapped up."

    Sanchez could find a new home soon, according to Gunners manager Arsene Wenger.

    Speaking after Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday, Wenger told Sky Sports Sanchez's future could be settled in the "next 48 hours" amid rumours linking the player whose contract expires in the summer with both United and Manchester City.

    Sanchez is likely to move to Manchester this month.
    Sanchez is likely to move to Manchester this month.Alastair Grant/Associated Press
    Arsenal Transfer News: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Move Rumoured
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    The Frenchman also made it clear the Gunners will need to replace Sanchez if the Chilean does move on this month. As replacements go, Arsenal would struggle to find a better one than Aubameyang.

    A year younger than Sanchez at 28, Aubameyang is a prolific striker who can operate anywhere along the front. His pace frightens defences, while his movement between the lines would suit Arsenal's fluid passing game.

    One possible issue might concern Aubameyang's temperament. He was left out against Wolfsburg for undisclosed "disciplinary reasons," according to BBC Sport. The report also detailed how the striker missed a game against Stuttgart amid similar problems earlier this season, as well as being dropped in 2016.

    Aubameyang has had his problems in Dortmund, but remains prolific in front of goal.
    Aubameyang has had his problems in Dortmund, but remains prolific in front of goal.Paul White/Associated Press

    If Wenger can convince himself Aubameyang can stay focused, he may find it too difficult to pass on a player he has been linked with as far back as 2013.

    A motivated Aubameyang would add the goals and match-winning star power a struggling Arsenal squad will miss if Sanchez leaves for either half of Manchester.