Manchester City and Real Madrid in a bidding war for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
European clubs Real Madrid and Manchester City are aggressively chasing the signature of Dortmund star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The clubs are hoping to land the player during the summer, to bolster their squad's attacking department.
The 27-year-old Gabon international spoke to the press after Dortmund’s 4-1 victory over rivals Borussia Monchengladbach. The player grabbed two goals as he sparked rumours over leaving the club in search of fresher pastures.
“I don’t know if I will stay. I just think about playing good football right now. I want to give my best and win titles. I just think about the sport and nothing else,” said the 27-year-old. “Last year I scored 18 goals before Christmas. I hope I can do better this year. But I also want to focus on the second half of the season.”
The striker has been in phenomenal form this season, grabbing 15 goals in only 12 domestic games. He averages a goal per appearance in all competitions this year. PSG, Chelsea, United and Arsenal are noted to be keeping tabs on the striker as well.
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The player has done more than enough this season to warrant so much interest in multiple areas of the inflated transfer market. From what is clear so far, the player isn’t going to come cheap. An impending battle for the striker will only increase his value and subsequently his wages.
BVB Sporting direction Michael Zorc has dismissed all speculations regarding Aubameyang’s departure. The club is desperate to hold onto a player who guarantees goals like he does. Losing him would be a big blow to their chances in a league that is very competitive. Speaking to German newspaper Bild, Zorc stated that he was "not interested in commenting on new speculation every single day.” The management is tired of dealing with rumours, and are eager to bring the interest down.
Meanwhile, 36-year-old goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller has dismissed rumours of his impending retirement. He isn't unhappy with his current situation and would like to continue playing football. He is currently under contract until 2017 and is deputising for the injured first-choice goalkeeper Roman Burki.
"I still enjoy my profession. There is no reason to retire. We will sit down in the winter."