Aubameyang returns to Dortmund line-up amid Arsenal talks

Borussia Dortmund have recalled Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the starting XI amid talks with Arsenal over the striker's sale.

Aubameyang has become the Gunners' top transfer target following the sale of Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United. 

With fellow Dortmund favourite Henrikh Mkhitaryan moving to the Emirates Stadium as part of that deal Arsenal are keen to add another forward-thinking player who has shined at Signal Iduna Park. 

The club has already agreed personal terms with Aubameyang, but they have found Dortmund a trickier prospect as talks have dragged on over the fee BVB hope to receive for their star. 

Now, the Bundesliga side has included the player in their starting line-up as they take on Freiburg in Saturday's clash. 

The decision marks a turnaround for Dortmund, who left Aubameyang out of their last Bundesliga clash, a draw against Hertha Berlin last Friday. 

Goal understands that Arsenal have so far seen two approaches for the Gabon international rejected. 

Dortmund are holding out for €70m but could compromise on a deal worth €65m if negotiations continue to drag, while Arsenal have to date filed bids worth €50 million and €58m.

Speaking on Friday, Arsene Wenger admitted that an agreement between the two clubs was some way off: “I cannot tell you more. We have nothing to announce. At the moment, we stay where we are.

“We keep our players. We have added Mkhitaryan and lost Sanchez. Will anything else happen? At the moment, I don’t know.

“It is far from close. It is possible we will recruit someone else but I won’t give you a name.”

Aubameyang has scored an impressive 21 goals in 23 games so far this season in all competitions, but Saturday will mark his first game of 2018 in the midst of doubt over his future.