Arsenal’s protracted negotiations with Borussia Dortmund are still in progress but Dortmund hold all the cards and are intent on getting exactly what they want. It’s really simple, the Two key sticking points are the money, £60 million for the Gabon hotshot or cash plus Olivier Giroud.
It’s not exactly rocket science, Dortmund want a genuine replacement and enquired about the availability of the Frenchman in the summer only to be told he wasn’t available.
One of the proposals on the table includes Aubameyang for Giroud plus £30+ Million. The other is £60 Million for the player and Dortmund don’t intend to budge on the price.
For Arsenal to get the deal over the line before the transfer window closes, they will have to spend big or persuade the Arsenal striker to speak with officials from the German club.
On the plus side, Giroud wants regular first-team football and that’s not guaranteed at Arsenal. With the World cup looming, the Frenchman will want to secure his place in the National team.
Arsenal have raised £32 million in sales and will effectively balance the books if the move goes ahead, which is something that the hierarchy are keen to do. It’s going to be down to the fine print and if Dortmund feel that they are getting the better deal, which is up for debate.
Giroud has struggled to be appreciated whilst at Arsenal, despite being a consistent performer but his style is at odds with the Arsenal game, which relies on speed and movement.
The Frenchman is essentially a target man and someone who can get you goals when nothing else looks available. He is a classy operator and would be an asset to any side but Wenger has failed to get the maximum out of the player.
The striker should be afforded the credit he truly deserves for sticking with it and fighting for his place. On numerous occasions, he has scored vital and match-winning goals, yet so much more was possible.
Anyone who can score goals such as the sublime scorpion kick has to be recognised for the undoubted talent they possess. That goal incidentally, is on my list of all time favourite Arsenal goals behind only Bergkamp and Henry.
It seems that Arsenal now recognise that they need Aubameyang, this seasons campaign is flagging and the striker is needed as much by the club as he is by the players and fans.
It’s a nail-biting finish to a window where Arsenal have dominated the headlines and the summer will be no different as the restructuring continues with Bellerin and Ramsey likely to be heading the list of players leaving. I’m informed that Bellerin is highly likely to go, he wants to return to Spain and had Family issues only just recently.
The Aubameyang deal is tantalisingly close but it’s still very much in the balance. With time running out, the North London club need to think and act fast to get their man.
