Arsenal are being linked with a sensational €57million (£42million) bid for Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Such a large bid could convince the German side to part with their star man, even though we are half way through the season.
£42million would be a lot of money to spend, but Aubameyang has proven he is worth that amount. The Gabon international has scored 47 goals in 82 games during his two and a half year period in Germany – including 24 goals in 23 appearances this season. Previous to his spell at Dortmund he has played for Saint-Etienne, Monaco, Lille and AC Milan.
The 26-year-old has evolved into a complete forward at Dortmund, consistently demonstrating levels of quality that have seen him dubbed in the bracket of world class. He stands at 6ft 1 but possesses incredible amounts of pace and has developed his game to be able to play comfortably as a lone striker, whereas he had previously been more comfortable on the wing.
A signing of this calibre is likely to have a significant impact on the title race, with the added goals Aubameyang would bring; Arsenal would have an incredibly frightening attacking force.
But I see this as an extremely unlikely signing for us to make. Dortmund have no reason to sell, they are in a title race of their own and when you’re fighting against Bayern Munich, you need every bit of quality you can get. Aubameyang has recently received praise for his consistency even when the rest of the team are playing poorly, such a quality makes a player incredibly valuable.
You have to wonder whether the player would be interested either. In Germany he has found the best form of his life and keeps getting better. Leaving in the middle of the season makes no sense for the player. I think he may find Arsenal an appealing destination one day but for him to move to the club this month seems like too much to ask for.
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