Arsenal transfer news: Condition for Aubameyang sale, Update on Mesut Ozil's contract situation, and more - 29th January 2018

Arsenal edge closer to completing Aubameyang deal

The Gunners have been trying to sign the Borussia Dortmund marksman in this January transfer window but are yet to agree on a transfer fee. Dortmund's sporting director Michael Zorc spoke about the situation on German TV (via the Metro) and said:

"We are prepared to implement a transfer under certain parameters – but only if these parameters are fully met. Arsenal has started several attempts so far."

"We have rejected all of the offers so far. Either our demands are fulfilled, then there can be another transfer or else they will not be fulfilled and Auba will play in Dortmund until the summer, so it is also discussed and accepted by the Aubameyang family."

Thus, Arsenal are yet to match Dortmund's asking price, thereby stalling the transfer. However, BBC Sport journalist, David Ornstein, shed light on some positive news for the Gunners' faithful, by stating that a fee around £60 million is close to being agreed. However, there is one condition from the Bundesliga club to sanction the sale.

The German outfit want to sign a replacement before letting Aubameyang leave. While this is a positive news on one front that Dortmund are willing to sell the player, however, with only a few days remaining in the transfer window, a replacement may not be signed in time for the 28-year old to join Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger issues positive Mesut Ozil update

The German World Cup winner is free to negotiate a pre-contract with foreign clubs as he is in the final six months of his Arsenal contract. Former team-mate Alexis Sanchez was in a similar situation before he joined domestic rivals Manchester United this month.

Losing two of their best players in a short span can hurt the team and hence, the Gunners have a reason for optimism as Wenger issued a positive update. He said, in a recent press conference (via the Independent):

"Our intention is to keep Ozil at the club, hopefully we will do that very soon. (The deal is) not close enough to be optimistic and not far enough to be pessimistic."

"The vibes I get from his commitment, his focus, his desire, for achievement with the team - he behaves like someone who is completely focused and committed and who is ready to commit. But after that negotiations are what they are. But we aren’t close enough to tell you yes, he will stay"

While there is no concrete assurance from Wenger, it will be heartwarming for the Arsenal fans to know that they have a chance to keep Mesut Ozil beyond the summer.

Arsenal quote Olivier Giroud's price

The Frenchman has struggled for game-time this season, especially with the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette in the summer. He has been reduced to an impact substitute role in the Premier League and the potential arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will further hurt his playing chances.

This could cost Giroud a FIFA World Cup berth, given the competition for places in Didier Deschamps' French team.

While a possible loan deal to Borussia Dortmund has been in the news, the Daily Mail now states that Chelsea are also interested in the 31-year old. Further, Wenger is reportedly willing to sanction a deal to their rivals, provided the Blues pay £35 million for the centre-forward.

Arsenal's asking price is dependent on the fact that Giroud will be available to participate in the UEFA Champions League for Chelsea, and also, the fact that the player is already settled in London.

Thus, the deal could prove beneficial for all three parties, although the Gunners' faithful will not like to see their club sell another player to another domestic rival.

Thus, it could turn out to be an interesting few days in London as the transfer deadline day approaches.

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