Arsenal target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang submits transfer request
Arsene Wenger claimed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would fit in at Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

Borussia Dortmund have responded after Arsene Wenger talked up a move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Aubameyang, 28, has handed in a transfer request at Dortmund and it’s understood the forward’s father – and agent – has been discussing a transfer to the Emirates in London this week.

The Gunners are desperate to bring in a replacement for Alexis Sanchez, with the 29-year-old Chilean likely to complete a move to Manchester United in the next 24 hours.

‘We are, with this kind of thing, better when it is secret and announce when it’s over the line,’ Wenger said when asked if Arsenal were closing in on a deal for Aubameyang.

‘Apart from the deal [involving Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan] which could happen, yes. Nothing else is close.’

Asked whether strong character like Aubameyang would fit in at Arsenal, Wenger responded: ‘Yes, because character can be very positive and very negative.

‘Overall you look at the achievement of a player over their career and usually his character has been used in a positive way.’

Arsene Wenger reveals the reason Aubameyang would 'fit in' at Arsenal
Arsene Wenger praised the attacker’s character (Picture: Getty)
Borussia Dortmund to ask Arsene Wenger for Arsenal star in exchange for Aubameyang
Arsenal are in talks over a £53m move for the Gabon international (Picture: Getty)

Dortmund chief Michael Zorc responded by urging Wenger to concentrate on the performances of his own players rather than Aubameyang.

‘We find it disrespectful to speak about players of other clubs.

‘There is no contact with Arsenal.

‘We assumed that Arsene Wenger would have enough to do to take care of the performances of his own players!’

Up Next

Dortmund manager Peter Stoger insists the atmosphere is ‘calm’ at the club ahead of their clash with Hertha Berlin on Friday night.

‘[Aubameyang] wasn’t an issue for us these last few days. We had a good, short talk on Monday. If nothing changes he’s an option for tomorrow,’ he said.

‘Match practice is important for every player, maybe especially for younger guys. But for any club, particularly for a club like BVB, performances are the most important thing.

‘I told Aubameyang what I want to see from him, that he gives it all in training. At the end it’s up to him to qualify for the team and do what’s necessary to be a part of it.

‘Until I hear there’s a personnel change he’s part of my plans.

‘I feel like the guys are happy if Aubameyang’s here and works hard because he’s obviously got a lot of quality. It’s a lot more calm within these walls than it might appear to some on the outside.’

MORE : Arsene Wenger doubts Arsenal’s chance of signing Malcom in January