Arsenal are reportedly edging closer to the services of Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with Olivier Giroud seemingly keen on a move to the Bundesliga.
The Frenchman, who is recuperating from a hamstring injury, has managed just one Premier League start this term, and his situation is unlikely to improve in the coming months, should Aubameyang sign for the club.
According to The Mail, talks are progressing well between both sides and the Gunners have made a fresh £50.9m bid including Giroud after their initial £43m offer was knocked back by the Dortmund outfit.
However, the German club are still holding out for a fee in excess of £53m, and this could prolong the deal until the final days of the winter transfer window, though Arsenal are confident of striking a deal.
Giroud had been reluctant to pursue a move away from London in the summer owing to the reluctance of his partner to leave the English capital, and the departure may well be on a temporary basis for the season as he looks to cement his starting spot for the World Cup.
The 31-year-old has often partnered Antoine Griezmann upfront in the France line-up, but his reduced gametime may have a detrimental effect with Alexandre Lacazette and Kylian Mbappe competing for the position, whilst Nabil Fekir is not far off from becoming a regular after his excellent prowess at Lyon.
Meanwhile, Aubameyang’s move to the Emirates is likely to add competition to Gunners first-choice striker Lacazette, and it will be interesting to see where the Frenchman plays, given he can operate on the wings, if required.
