Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang

Michael Sohn/Associated Press

Henrikh Mkhitaryan reportedly won't extend his contract with Borussia Dortmund, meaning he could potentially leave the Bundesliga club on a free transfer in 2017. Mkhitaryan is said to be "looking at his options for the future."

His reported decision has increased the likelihood of Arsenal signing the Armenian playmaker this summer.

The player's agent, Mino Raiola, told Bild (h/t James Benge of the London Evening Standard), "Why would we sign a contract renewal now? Micki has a contract until June 2017, and we are looking at his options for the future."

Benge also put Mkhitaryan "among the long list of attackers Arsenal have monitored over recent months and could represent an ideal replacement for Alexis Sanchez in the event that the Chilean chose not to extend his contract at the Emirates."


BEN STANSALL/Getty Images                
Mkhitaryan could be a replacement for Alexis Sanchez. 

Mkhitaryan has been heavily linked to the Gunners in recent months, with the Guardian's David Hytner and Fabrizio Romano identifying him as a target in late March.

Earlier this month, Sportfakt (h/t ArmenPress) indicated that "Arsenal have already negotiated with Mkhitaryan's agent."

Yet Bleacher Report's Clark Whitney does not believe the latest developments to be a guarantee that Mkhitaryan will move this summer:

Bild: Mkhitaryan rejects Dortmund extension amid CFC & AFC interest, but most likely will see out his BVB contract (which expires in 2017)

— Clark Whitney (@Mr_Bundesliga) May 31, 2016

Dortmund certainly have a history of not minding if contracts expire and star players leave for free. Robert Lewandowski trod that same path to Bayern Munich in 2014.
Still, Arsenal have plenty of reason to encourage Dortmund into parting ways with their classy No. 10 a year early. He has the naturally creative temperament Gunners boss Arsene Wenger craves in the final third.

Yet it's his eye for goal that may really appeal to Arsenal after Mkhitaryan found the net 18 times in all competitions at club level this season, per WhoScored.com. The Gunners need more goals after failing to score in eight Premier League matches during the 2015/16 season, according to the club's official site.

Wenger's current squad is far from short of creative talents, including Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Alex Iwobi. But the Arsenal manager has always produced his best teams by combining multiple flair players.
Mkhitaryan's combination with Ozil and Co. would restore the free-flowing, attacking football most associate with the Gunners.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Linked with Real Madrid

Mkhitaryan's Dortmund team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been heavily linked with Real Madrid a day after it'd been suggested that he should move to Arsenal.

Bundesliga author Lee Price told the Daily Star's Jack Wilson: "Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is one of the Bundesliga's biggest stars, is incredibly likely to join Madrid."

VI-Images/Getty Images                    
Aubameyang could be Real Madrid-bound.

That would be a blow for an Arsenal forward line needing a prolific finisher with Aubameyang's smart movement and lightning pace.

His Gabon team-mate Daniel Cousins recently told the BBC World Service (h/t Samuel Stevens of the Independent) that Aubameyang should move to the Gunners: “Arsenal, because the team play very well but the team need another striker to win the title. And I think if he plays with Mesut Özil, he will give good assists. I think he can play very well with this team.”

Arsenal could use a striker who scored 36 times for Dortmund last season, according to WhoScored.

There's been some confusion recently about Aubameyang's club future. Gabon manager Jorge Costa told RF1 (h/t Vaishali Bhardwaj of the London Evening Standard), “Aubameyang has asked not to be selected [for the national team] because he is changing clubs."

But Bhardwaj also cited Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke as refuting that idea to German publication Sport Bild: "Is Aubameyang set to leave? That is nonsense."

The Gunners had been reportedly prepared to offer as much as £63.2 million for Aubameyang back in March, per French source Le10 Sport (h/t the Daily Mirror's James Whaling). Wenger was credited with heavy interest in Aubameyang as far back as 2013, when the jet-heeled striker was playing for St Etienne, according to Dan Silver of the Daily Mirror.


AFP/Getty Images
Aubameyang has been on Wenger's radar since his days with St Etienne. 


Fixing an inconsistent forward line with a pair of attackers who scored 54 club goals would be a major coup for Wenger this summer. Landing both Mkhitrayan and Aubameyang would make Arsenal legitimate title contenders.
Signing even one would ensure plenty of dynamic, eye-pleasing football next season.

CREDIT TO:http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2643411-arsenal-transfer-news-latest-on-henrikh-mkhitaryan-top-rumours