Arsenal execs spotted in Germany for Aubameyang talks

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's move to Arsenal edged closer on Sunday
Arsenal officials flew out to Germany to finalise a move for the striker
Ivan Gazidis and Sven Mislintat were pictured meeting with Dortmund officials
The Gunners' first bid of £44m was quickly rejected by the Bundesliga club

Published: 09:10 EDT, 22 January 2018 | Updated: 11:10 EDT, 22 January 2018

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Arsenal have stepped up their bid to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as chief executive Ivan Gazidis and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat were spotted arriving in Germany on Sunday for face-to-face negotiations.

Gazidis and Mislintat were photographed arriving to meet executives from Borussia Dortmund, including chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke and general manager Michael Zorc.

The Dortmund pair appeared much more at ease than their Arsenal counterparts – indicating they know how much they hold the upper hand in negotiations.

Arsenal executive Ivan Gazidis and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat arrive for talks

Gazidis and Mislintat were speaking to Borussia Dortmund over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

They met with Hans-Joachim Watzke (left) and Michael Zorc (centre) in Dortmund on Sunday

Dortmund have already rejected Arsenal's first bid of £44m. It is anticipated that the Gunners will aim to Aubameyang a way out of Signal Iduna Park by offering £53million for his services.

The striker was left out of Dortmund's squad for the 1-1 draw at Hertha Berlin as the club look to resolve the Gabon international's future.

Arsenal have stepped up the pursuit of the striker after finalising the swap deal with Manchester United involving Alexis Sanchez and Aubameyang's former Dortmund team-mate Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Arsenal are keen to sign Aubameyang and have already had a bid of £44m rejected

Aubameyang was dropped at the weekend by Dortmund, who want at least £53m for him

The Gabon striker has become disillusioned with life at the Bundesliga club and has been suspended from the first-team on more than one occasion.

With 21 goals in all competitions so far this season, Arsene Wenger wants a deal to bring Aubameyang to the Emirates concluded with 10 days remaining of the January window.

Arsenal lodged their first formal offer on Saturday and while Aubameyang is expected to leave the club, it's understood the German side are looking at Olivier Giroud to be included as a potential makeweight in the deal.