Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 'left out of Borussia Dortmund squad'

Arsenal appear to have moved closer to signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, as the striker has reportedly been left out of Borussia Dortmund's squad to face Hertha Berlin on Friday evening.

The Gabon international is the man Arsene Wenger wants to fill the void left by Alexis Sanchez, whose likely move to Manchester United could start a domino effect of sorts.

Gunners boss Wenger was criticised by Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc on Thursday after the Frenchman admitted to being a fan of Aubameyang.

Zorc suggested that no official contact had been made between the two clubs but, according to German outlet Bild, the former AC Milan ace has again been omitted from Peter Stoger's latest squad, opening the door for a big-money transfer.

Aubameyang, who has netted 98 times in 143 Bundesliga appearances, may be replaced at the Westfalenstadion by either Olivier Giroud or Michy Batshuayi.