Arsenal will reportedly open formal talks with Borussia Dortmund over the purchase of striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang when the German side's sporting director jets into London this weekend.
The Gabon international is wanted by the Gunners as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez, who is on the brink of completing a switch to Manchester United.
Aubameyang has once again been left out of Dortmund's playing squad to face Hertha Berlin, but BVB officials have stressed that no discussions with Arsenal have yet begun.
According to German website WA, however, that is about to change as Michael Zorc is due to arrive in London on Saturday, with the Premier League outfit hoping to thrash out terms on a £53m transfer.
Zorc is unhappy with Arsenal's conduct in their pursuit of the 28-year-old, taking a swipe at their form this season after Arsene Wenger made his interest in the player publicly known on Thursday.
Should Aubameyang complete a move to the Emirates Stadium, he will become Arsenal's record all-time signing ahead of Alexandre Lacazette, who could cost up to £23.6m with add-ons following his arrival last summer.
Daniel Lewis
