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Dortmund denies contact with Arsenal over Aubameyang

JOHN MACDOUGALL / AFP / Getty

Borussia Dortmund's higher-ups denounced Arsene Wenger after the Frenchman made open remarks about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's potential move to Arsenal.

"We think it is a lack of respect when you get involved with players who are playing for another team," BVB sporting director Michael Zorc said, as reported by the Guardian. "There is no contact with Arsenal. We can only assume that Arsene Wenger has enough to think about when it comes to the performances of his own players."

Although Wenger insisted Thursday that a deal for Aubameyang isn't close, he was willing to share his view of the 28-year-old amid concerns the striker's attitude would pose a problem for the Gunners.

Aubameyang emerged as a real target for Arsenal after being suspended by Dortmund for missing a team meeting. It was the second time this season he was omitted from the matchday squad for "disciplinary" reasons.

There were concerns Wenger wouldn't approve of a player with Aubameyang's track record, but he instead complimented the Gabonese international's body of work.

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"Yes, because character can be a very positive note and it can be a very negative note," Wenger told reporters. "I believe overall you look at the achievements of a player during his career and usually, when a career has been very positive, the character has been used in a positive way."

Arsenal's new head of recruitment Sven Mislintat apparently recommended signing Aubameyang in the January transfer window. Milinstat was responsible for bringing Aubameyang to Dortmund in 2013.

Despite the feeling that his time at the Westfalenstadion is over, Dortmund set Aubameyang's price tag at a sizeable €70 million, according to German newspaper Bild. His father and agent, Pierre, are reportedly in London to negotiate personal terms.

Aubameyang has scored 21 goals in 23 appearances across all competitions this season.

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