ESPN FC's Julien Laurens delves into the back and forth between Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Dortmund boss Peter Stoger says Pierre Emerick Aubameyang will still play in upcoming games despite bids from Arsenal to bring him to the Premier League. Arsene Wenger says Arsenal are looking to sign more players, but believes his squad is strong enough to compete if they don't. Gab Marcotti shares his insights on Man City target Aymeric Laporte, Arsenal's interest in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and West Ham nearing a deal for Joao Mario.
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has said Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will stay at the club if Arsenal do not meet their transfer demands.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a January move for Aubameyang, but earlier this week manager Arsene Wenger said the club were "not close" to any deal.
CEO Ivan Gazidis travelled to Dortmund as part of an Arsenal delegation trying to wrap up a deal for the Gabon striker, with Dortmund reported to want the Gunners' Olivier Giroud as part of any deal.
Speaking ahead of BVB's home match against Freiburg on Saturday, Zorc told Sky: "Either our demands are met and there will be a transfer, or they aren't met and Auba will play in Dortmund until summer.
#Zorc bei @SkySportDE: "Entweder werden unsere Forderungen erfüllt, dann kann es noch einen Transfer geben. Oder aber, sie werden nicht erfüllt und Auba spielt bis zum Sommer in Dortmund. So ist es übrigens auch mit der Familie Aubameyang besprochen und akzeptiert." #bvbscf pic.twitter.com/GAfha61Mxq
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) January 27, 2018
"This is how we discussed it with his family [the player's father is his agent] and how it is agreed upon.
"We have a clear position. We're ready, with certain conditions, to make a transfer happen, but only when all conditions are completely met.
"So far Arsenal have tried and we've rejected everything."
Aubameyang, 28, missed back-to-back Bundesliga matches for Dortmund but because of disciplinary reasons rather than to avoid a potential transfer-threatening injury.
And coach Peter Stoger said on Thursday: "If someone's fit, you will play him.
"The risk [of injury] in training is as high as in a match. You never have security. And if someone's fit, you will play him."
Stefan Buczko covers Borussia Dortmund for ESPN FC. Twitter: @StefanBuczko.
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Source: espn.co.uk