MKHITARYAN DONE, NOWA RECORD BID FOR AUBAMEYANG
ARSENAL are set to finally sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan – and are ready to make a record-breaking bid for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Borussia Dortmund confirmed they turned down a £45million offer from Arsenal. But
the Gunners would go above the £52m they paid for Alexandre Lacazette last summer to get a deal done for Aubameyang, with chief executive Ivan Gazidis and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat travelling to Germany yesterday.
Dortmund have asked about Olivier Giroud being part of the deal and Arsenal know the France striker wants more regular football before the World Cup.
But a straight cash offer is still being discussed with boss Arsene Wenger convinced an Aubameyang move is very close.
It would be a coup for Arsenal after losing Alexis Sanchez in the Mkhitaryan switch with both players likely to be announced today as they underwent medicals at the weekend.
Arsenal are in negotiations with Mesut Ozil about a new deal, but are ready to head to the £200,000-a-week ceiling on offer to Mkhitaryan and Aubameyang.
That is a clear sign of intent from the club, who know Aubameyang is desperate to go to the Emirates. Borussia Dortmund left Aubameyang out of their squad to face Hertha Berlin last Friday while negotiations continue.