Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund reportedly sealed a transfer deal sending striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Germany to France on Wednesday. Yet, reports from Dortmund indicate the striker is not Paris-bound as the German Cup winners have played down the star’s move.
Reports emerged that PSG had agreed a transfer for Aubameyang for €70 million (£61m), but Dortmund have stated no transfer offers have been received for the Gabon international. Aubameyang is much sought after as he tallied 31 goals in 32 matches during the 2016-17 season. Since arriving at the Signal Iduna Park, Aubameyang has scored an astounding 120 goals in 189 games.
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang Key Stats 2016-17:
- 31 goals in 32 Bundesliga matches
- 3.6 shots per match
- 7 goals in 9 Champions League matches
- 1.3 unsuccessful touches per match
Despite his great form this past season, Dortmund finished third in the Bundesliga behind Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig. The club did win the German Cup, but at no time did the yellow and black threaten the table’s top side Bayern. The club have already parted ways with coach Thomas Tuchel, who the club’s board questioned the “trust” of in the media this week.
Dortmund are not only one of the top teams in Germany, but one of the most well supported. This hasn’t stopped the club’s top stars from leaving in the lasts few years. Last summer saw the club sell both Mats Hummels, Ilkay Gundogan and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. In June 2014, the club lost Robert Lewandowski to a Bayern on a free transfer.
PSG have made moves for Aubameyang previously, but Dortmund have continually turned down the French club. The striker has stated he would love to move to PSG, but in interviews has stressed the club must contact “his father” first and not Dortmund’s board. If Dortmund lose another star, it is hard to believe the club can remain near the top of the Bundesliga unless the club invest heavily in a new star hitman.
No English Premier League sides have been linked to the Gabon international, although Arsenal were previously thought to be in the market for Aubameyang.