BORUSSIA Dortmund insisted that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has a future at the club, even though he was left out of the squad for Friday’s 1-1 Bundesliga draw at Hertha Berlin.
Aubameyang, the top scorer in the German top flight last season, was also dropped for last Sunday’s goalless draw at home to Wolfsburg.
Dortmund coach Peter Stoeger took the decision to leave out the Gabon international again amid reports he is chasing a move to Premier League side Arsenal, who look set to lose forward Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United.
“There is nothing concrete on the table, only a lot of air,” Dortmund director of sport Michael Zorc told Eurosport when asked about the Arsenal rumours.
“That includes saying you’ve made a mistake in one situation or another.” Aubameyang is being disciplined by Dortmund for the third time in 16 months after he missed a team meeting last weekend.
Stoeger said the 28-year-old can still win back his place in the team for next weekend’s home match against Freiburg.
“If he can help, he can offer himself up again. If he works hard in training, he will be back next week,” said Stoeger.
DORTMUND DIRECTOR TO FLY TO LONDON
Despite Zorc’s comments, German website WA are claiming that the Dortmund sporting director will fly to London shortly to finalise Aubameyang’s Gunners switch.
Arsenal are closing in on the striker, although a public disagreement between the two clubs threatens to derail the deal.
Zorc labelled Arsene Wenger ‘disrespectful’ as well as subtly slating the North Londoners’ recent form after Wenger’s public comments about the player.
“It is a lack of respect. We believe Arsene Wenger has enough to think about when it comes to the performances of his own players.” Zorc said.
Speaking prior to his side’s clash with Crystal Palace on Thursday, Wenger addressed speculation linking him with a big money move for the Gabonese striker.
When quizzed on if the attacker would fit in at the Emirats, Wenger said: “Yes, because character can be a very positive note.”
“Look at the achievements of a player during his career and usually, when a career has been positive, the character has been positive.”
Although tensions are rising between the two parties, Arsenal remain confident of securing a deal for the striker.
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