Dortmund confirm Arsenal's Aubameyang bid

Arsenal have made an official bid to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has confirmed.

Watzke told German publication 'Ruhr Nachten': "I can confirm that there has been a first request from Arsenal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and we are not commenting on the sums that have been called from England since noon today."

Reports in England claim that Dortmund value the Gabonese at £53m, a fee that the 'Gunners' are thought to be prepared to pay as they look to replace Alexis Sanchez, with the Chilean set to complete his move to Manchester United.

Aubameyang has established himself as one of Europe's top strikers since his move to the Bundesliga, having scored 141 goals in just 212 appearances for Dortmund.

However, with the club falling further and further behind Bayern Munich every season, the 28-year-old is believed to be keen on a new challenge and is thought to be open to a move to the Emirates.

Aubameyang missed Dortmund's 1-1 draw with Hertha Berlin on Friday night due to concerns about his state of mind, but head coach Peter Stoger says that he could be involved against Mainz next time out.