Transfer rumor: Arsenal Confident of Signing Aubameyang

Arsenal has apparently set its sights on signing Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as it gets set for a roster overhaul during the winter transfer window. And, according to The Guardian, the club is “increasingly confident” that it will be able to sign the Gabon international.

Such a signing would come at a critical time for Arsenal, as Alexis Sánchez, the club’s star player over the past few seasons, seems set to officially leave the club at any moment.

Aubameyang’s talent is undeniable, as he has scored 141 goals in 212 appearances with Dortmund. But off the pitch issues—Aubameyang was dropped from the first team squad just this past weekend for disciplinary issues—appear to have brought his tenure in Germany to ignominious end.

Interestingly, Aubameyang seems to be a bit of a short-term signing for a club like Arsenal that often prioritizes youth. As a 28-year-old striker who relies heavily on pace, Aubameyang is likely already in the midst of his prime. Sven Mislintat, Arsenal’s new head of recruitment, who was previously the chief scout at Dortmund, is said to be heavily pushing the club to sign Aubameyang.

The Guardian also reports that Theo Walcott is, “ . . . set to leave the Emirates Stadium this month,” and that the club is edging, “ . . . closer to concluding a deal for the young Brazilian forward Malcom from Bordeaux for around £40m.” Furthermore, Mislintat may also try to bring Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Arsenal in a deal with Manchester United for Alexis.

All told, changes appear to be coming to Arsenal, and the club’s roster could look quite different a month from now. Given how this season has gone, that’s almost certainly for the best.