Arsenal have reportedly shown an ‘unwillingness’ to meet Borussia Dortmund’s demands for striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang according to the press in Germany but it’s all a part of negotiation tactics – including Dortmund’s latest statement.
Read on for an exciting update from Borussia Dortmund sporting director, Michael Zorc…
According to German outlet Kicker, who previously reported that talks between Arsenal and Dortmund have stalled, the Gunners haven’t shown any willingness to pay the Bundesliga club exactly what they want.
Even though this is something Michael Zorc alluded to on Saturday, it does make me wonder whether Kicker actually know how negotiations work.
Of course Arsenal are serious about signing Aubameyang. They wouldn’t have sent a delegation of Ivan Gazidis, Sven Mislintat and Huss Fahmy to Germany if they weren’t.
But that doesn’t mean we’re going to instantly cough up whatever price – thought to be in the region of £61m – Dortmund want.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Beag-kiB6GF/?hl=en&taken-by=aubameyang97
In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if we are playing hardball. But, by publicly sending our top men out there to thrash out a deal, we’ve apparently weakened our position.
Some say that by being so open in our interest in the striker, Dortmund could now feel Arsenal have to fork out whatever it takes to bring him to London or risk angering fans. They’ve not been paying much attention to Arsenal if they think such trivialities have any bearing on the club.
Dortmund included Aubameyang in their team to face Freiburg but, once again, this is looks like another negotiation tactic, this time from the Germans. They could be trying to light a fire under Arsenal so they pay up, while also saying ‘see, we can just keep him if you don’t bother!’.
If we thought that’s what they were hinting at by naming him in the starting lineup, Zorc repeated that sentiment to the media using actual words.
Zorc update
Speaking on Saturday, Zorc, said, “We are prepared to implement a transfer under certain parameters, and only if these parameters are fully met.
“Arsenal have made several attempts so far [to sign Aubameyang] and they have all been rejected.
“Either our demands are fulfilled, then there can be another transfer, or they will not be fulfilled and Aubameyang will play in Dortmund until the summer.
“By the way, this has also been discussed with and accepted by the Aubameyang family.”
It looks as if talks over the 28-year-old are set to go right down to the wire with both clubs eager to get the best deal possible – again a perfectly normal thing to happen in transfers like these.
According to Sky Sports Germany, managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke and Zorc think Dortmund would be better off without Aubameyang and are keen to part ways, but admitting that openly would lower Auba’s price and weaken BvB’s position.
Meanwhile, former Chelsea winger Andre Schürrle described the uncertainty surrounding the striker’s future as “annoying”. It is no doubt similar to what Arsenal players went through with Alexis Sanchez.
Arsenal have reportedly made a bid of £50m but are yet to meet Dortmund’s £60m asking price. The Germans could allegedly accept a reduced fee of £57m.
When asked about the potential deal on Friday, Arsene Wenger was his typical vague self but admitted it could still go ahead.