Transfer Centre

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang deal 'hinges on Olivier Giroud'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 30 January 2018

Arsenal's proposed £60m move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reportedly hinges on two other deals being done, including an exit for Olivier Giroud.

Arsenal's club-record bid to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund is reportedly reliant on two other deals going through before Wednesday's transfer deadline.

The Gunners are understood to have agreed a £60m fee with Dortmund and personal terms with the player, who would surpass Alexandre Lacazette as Arsenal's most expensive ever signing.

However, Dortmund are reluctant to rubberstamp the move until they have a replacement in place, which could see current Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud play a role.

The Bundesliga outfit were thought to be open to the idea of signing Giroud, but the France international wants to stay in London and is more interested in a proposed £35m move to Chelsea.

Any such switch would allow out-of-favour Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi to join Dortmund as Aubameyang's replacement, although BBC Sport reports that the Premier League champions are unwilling to meet Giroud's asking price.

Chelsea have since held talks with Tottenham Hotspur over a possible swap deal for Fernando Llorente, but Batshuayi is not keen on a move to Wembley due to his desire to play first-team football.

The knock-on effect leaves Aubameyang's switch to Arsenal in jeopardy unless Dortmund can find a replacement for the Gabon international from elsewhere.