Paper Talk: Arsenal line up £32m Aubameyang replacement

Wout Weghorst TEAMtalk

Arsenal have lined-up a £32m striker to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while Tottenham are set to open talks to sign a new right-back, according to Tuesday’s transfer gossip.

 

ARSENAL TURN TO BUNDESLIGA FOR NEW AUBA

Arsenal have reportedly begun preparing for life without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with Wolfsburg striker Wout Weghorst eyed as his potential replacement.

Aubameyang has been a revelation for the Gunners ever since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2018.

The Gabon international averages more than a goal every two game, but Aubameyang and Arsenal are at a crossroads heading into the summer – with a big decision to be made on his future.

The striker has just one year left on his contract at the Emirates, with negotiations ongoing regarding a new deal.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta recently said he is “pretty positive” about agreeing a new deal with Aubameyang, who has been linked with Inter Milan and Juventus.

However, the 31-year-old admitted this month that it will be the “most important decision of my career”, while also stating Arsenal “have the keys” to make a deal happen.

But with no deal looking a possibility, the north London giants have reportedly begun preparing for his exit.

According to German outlet Bild, as cited by the Daily Express, the Gunners hold an interest in signing Weghorst from Wolfsburg.

However, it’s also reported that they could face strong competition from Newcastle for the player, if their £300million takeover is completed.

Weghorst is said to be available at £32m, which Arsenal would likely to be able to afford if Aubameyang was sold.

The 27-year-old has impressed in his two years at Wolfsburg, scoring 33 goals in 66 games in the Bundesliga.

 

 

But Arsenal are seemingly not his first-choice, should Weghorst be able to choose a destination in the Premier League.

Speaking last month, Weghorst admitted his desire to one day play in the Premier League and hinted that his dream club would be Liverpool.

“I always found Liverpool very special. I still get goosebumps from ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’,” he said.

“There are other great English clubs too, and I always liked Milan because so many Dutch played there.”

“I am ambitious and want to get ahead. Maybe at some point play at another club, whether in Germany or in England?

“But at the moment it is still far away. I feel good and try to achieve the maximum here.”

 

AND MORE GOSSIP

Tottenham are set for talks with Atalanta star Timothy Castagne as they step up their pursuit of a new right-back this summer

Timothy Castagne, Dries Mertens

Chelsea targets Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onan and Argentine left-back Nicolas Tagliafico have been told they can leave Ajax (The Sun)

Roy Keane is in talks with Azerbaijan about becoming their new national team boss (The Sun)

Arsenal will not attempt to buy Dani Ceballos when his loan deal with Real Madrid expires (The Sun)

Manchester City are reportedly plotting a swoop for Jack Grealish – if Bayern Munich cough up the £50million asking price for Leroy Sane (The Sun)

Charlton are eyeing up a summer move for non-League striker and former Love Island contestant Dennon Lewis (The Sun)

Liverpool will not pursue a £60m-plus deal for Kalidou Koulibaly this summer with the Reds’ transfer policy rules out overpaying on players in their late 20s (Daily Express)

Kalidou Koulibaly, Fabian Ruiz TEAMtalk

Barcelona wonderkid Marc Jurado looks set to join Manchester United after he announcing his departure from the Nou Camp (Daily Mirror)

Southampton have joined the list of clubs keen on Arsenal starlet Folarin Balogun (Daily Mail)

The three Watford players who breached lockdown rules have said sorry to manager Nigel Pearson and their playing colleagues (Daily Mail)

Brentford head of recruitment Lee Dykes is on RB Leipzig’s radar as they search for departed Paul Mitchell’s replacement (Daily Mail)

Newcastle are weighing up a free transfer for versatile Montpellier forward Thomas Robert (Daily Mail)

France international Layvin Kurzawa has ended speculation of a move to Arsenal after signing a new four-year contract with current club Paris Saint-Germain (Daily Star)

Layvin Kurzawa TEAMtalk

Leicester City’s 18-year-old full-back Dennis Gyamfi will leave the club when his contract expires on 30 June (Leicester Mercury)

Steve McClaren is mulling over a move to the SPFL after holding positive talks with Dundee United (Scottish Sun)