Arsenal transfer news: Second Aubameyang bid rejected, Wenger on Jonny Evans, and more - 25th January 2018

Dortmund reject Arsenal's second bid for Aubameyang

The Gunners are looking to bolster their ranks with the signing of the 28-year old marksman. However, as per BBC reports, the Bundesliga club have rejected a second bid from Arsenal, valued at €50 million.

German football expert, Raphael Honigstein, believes Dortmund are looking for more money as well as a replacement in Olivier Giroud and he told BBC Radio Five Live's Euro Football League:

"Borussia Dortmund are saying the first offer from Arsenal only came in at €50million. They want at least €70million. Maybe they can meet at €60million. The bigger stumbling block seems to have been the availability of Olivier Giroud on loan. Which the latest from Dortmund is that they think they might be able to do that."

"Which then makes it easier for them to do the deal because it was always contingent on both these things - money plus a ready-made replacement. But Giroud would only go on loan because Dortmund don't want to send half that money back to Arsenal straight again. So I think it is looking as if it's going to go through, and it is a really interesting move on so many levels."

As the deal hangs in the balance, Arsene Wenger spoke, in a press conference, about the situation after his side's 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final and said:

"The best is I don't talk about that. Because it wouldn't help. If something happens, it happens. If it doesn't happen we are strong enough to focus on the players we have."

Thus, the Gunners' faithful have their fingers crossed as they wait for a positive news in this saga.

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Wenger issues update on Jonny Evans

One final big move?

The West Brom centre-back has won three Premier League titles in his career, serving as the defensive lieutenant for Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. The 30-year old was a summer target for both Arsenal and Manchester City and the Gunners have been handed a boost now with Pep Guardiola looking to bring Aymeric Laporte instead to the Etihad, as per reports from the Independent.

Albion value their prized asset at £20 million and are willing to hold out for that sum despite Evans having a release clause of just £3 million if the club gets relegated. This does not bode well for the Baggies who are currently 19th in the Premier League table with 14 matches left to be played.

Wenger, was asked regarding Evans in his post-match press conference after his side qualified for the Carabao Cup final and the Frenchman said:

"Look if we sign somebody we’ll tell you very quickly but at the moment we are open to strengthen the team and the squad but not close to signing anybody."

The transfer window is bound to heat up with less than a week left and if Wenger lands Evans, then he could bring in experience and calmness to the defence while filling in for Per Mertesacker who is retiring at the end of the season.

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Thierry Henry issues a challenge to Mesut Ozil

Ozil asked to make the team his own

The German is in the final six months of his contract and is free to negotiate a pre-contract with any foreign club. Meanwhile, his partner in crime, Alexis Sanchez, has jumped ship to Manchester United, leaving Ozil as the biggest star at the Emirates.

While Ozil's future continues to be up in the air, Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry issued a challenge to the World Cup winner. He told Sky Sports ahead of the Gunners' match against Chelsea:

"He [Ozil] has to make it his team. Alexis Sanchez is gone. If he plays all the time like he did against Crystal Palace, he’s unplayable."

The former striker does make a valid point of Ozil becoming the creative force in the team. Further, the arrival of Henrikh Mkhitaryan should lighten the pressure on the 29-year old and provide a boost to stay beyond this summer at the Emirates.