Arsene Wenger confirms Arsenal are in talks to sign Borussia Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as he labels Henrikh Mkhitaryan 'world class'

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Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal are in talks to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the January transfer window.

The Gunners tied up a deal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan on Monday, with Alexis Sanchez going the other way to Manchester United, and the Gabon striker could be next through the door at the Emirates.

Despite confirmation that a deal is possible, Wenger was quick to temper expectations, insisting that it is far from done yet.

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal are in talks to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Aubameyang (right) was out training with his Borussia Dortmund team-mates on Monday

'You never know how close you are,' Wenger said. 'It is one of the possible movements, but we have other things in mind, we have plenty of opportunities in different positions. So the final decision is not made.

'Confident or not confident, I don't know. We are not close to a deal for Aubameyang with Dortmund or anybody else.'

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat are in Germany for face-to-face negotiations, but it is understood Dortmund are keen to bring in a replacement before letting Aubameyang go.

Wenger will be relieved to have got one player through the door this week, though, and he appeared delighted with his new man Mkhitaryan.   

Alexis Sanchez left Arsenal on Monday, but Wenger was full of praise for his former player 

Sanchez posing in a Manchester United shirt after completing his mega move to the club

'Overall I believe we have gained a world-class player,' he continued, at his press conference on Tuesday. 'He has a good team attitude as well. 

'He can play in all kinds of position, on the flanks, through the middle as well. He is very versatile and that can help us going forward.'  

When asked what the midfielder would bring to his team, Wenger added: 'I would say quality of runs, quality of creativity as well. He can be very penetrating with his runs and his passes.'

Wenger says Henrikh Mkhitaryan is 'world class' and says he will bring a lot to his team

Mkhitaryan juggling a ball during his unveiling at Arsenal's London Colney on Monday

Much was spoken of Sanchez's exit this week, but Wenger was keen to explain the Chilean's willingness to play for Arsenal, right up until the weekend. 

'Sanchez is a great guy and has always been committed,' he said. 'I would just like to remind you that I took him to a hotel on the night before the Crystal Palace game and he was completely ready to play. Then we got a call that the deal was over the line.

'Sanchez is a professional player, he's a guy who loves football. When he's on the football pitch, he has given the maximum for Arsenal and he will do the same for Manchester United. In the big clubs, you have to give absolutely your best.'