Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang starts for Borussia Dortmund as his club release statement on Arsenal’s interest

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is joining Arsenal

Kevin Palmer

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was named in the Borussia Dortmund starting line-up to play Freiburg on Saturday, but his club have now confirmed that he could be sold ahead of next Wednesday's transfer deadline.

Arsenal have held extensive talks with Dortmund chiefs over a move for Aubameyang, as they look to reunite the striker with his former Dortmund team-mate Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a deal that could be worth up to £60m.

Aubameyang has been agitating for a move in recent weeks and Dortmund appear to be keen to sell, even though Dortmund boss Peter Stoeger is eager to use him for as long as possible.

"If Auba trained well all week long, if he is clear and focused, then he is an indispensable part of our squad," said Stoeger.

"Auba has a very good, very concentrated and professional training week behind him and has always given the impression that he wants to give everything against Freiburg for BVB.

"And because that's the case, we would like to use its quality, of course."

Meanwhile, Dortmund general Michael Zorc has now confirmed that his club are willing to sell Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang if the "right parameters are met", as he confirmed that Arsenal have had several bids already turned down in recent weeks.

“We have a clear position. As in the summer in the case of Barcelona (who signed Ousmane Dembele for around £135m), we are ready to realise a transfer under certain conditions – but only if these conditions are fully met," read a statement from Dortmund.

"Arsenal have made several attempts so far. All have been refused. 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."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted he would like to sign Aubameyang, but it appears the clubs are some way apart in their valuation of the player with the transfer window set to close on Wednesday night.