Dortmund deliver transfer update on reported Arsenal target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Borussia Dortmund insist Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed training due to personal reasons on Tuesday amid talk of a potential move to Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger has been linked with a £42m bid for the Gabon international as the Gunners manager looks to bolster his attacking options ahead of their title push in the second half of the season.

Former Saint-Etienne forward Aubameyang has been in stunning form for Dortmund so far this season, scoring a staggering 24 goals in 23 games in all competitions.

Naturally, the 26-year-old’s absence from training prompted speculation that Aubameyang could be on the move, highlighted by Twitter user IndyKaila.

Emerick Aubameyang misses @BVB training. The reason is unknown. Was he meeting a English club to discuss move?? pic.twitter.com/teWm0nNDlQ

— indykaila News (@indykaila) January 5, 2016

However, the Bundesliga side addressed the question posed by IndyKaila in emphatic fashion, insisting there was nothing suspicious about the striker’s absence.

@indykaila The reason is pretty well known in fact: He missed training due to a personal appointment. Will be back tomorrow.

— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) January 5, 2016

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema in the January transfer window.

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The Gunners are two points clear at the top of the Premier League table after an edgy 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.