Arsenal transfer news: Gunners increase offer for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Arsenal have moved a step closer to signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with the Gunners upping their initial offer of £43m to £50.9m.

That’s still £2m shy of Borussia Dortmund’s asking price, but Arsenal officials are quietly confident that it is enough to seal the deal for the Gabon goal-machine, reports the Daily Mail.

“Talks are ongoing between club representatives,” according to the newspaper, and the German side have said they would like to sign Olivier Giroud as part of the deal. The French striker is said to be keen to move to a club where he is guaranteed regular game-time, in order to push for selection for the summer World Cup.

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The Sun also says the deal is close to being finalised, but quotes German media outlets that claim the Gunners are set to hand over £58m for 28-year-old Aubameyang.

Meanwhile, Metro claims Arsenal are close to agreeing terms with West Bromwich Albion for defender Jonny Evans.

First linked with the Northern Ireland blocker last month, Arsenal have been given a clear run at the 30-year-old after Manchester City pulled out of the race.

The Sky Blues are homing in instead on Athletic Bilbao's French centre-back Aymeric Laporte, with reports from Spain suggesting the Premier League leaders are ready to meet the Spanish club’s £57m asking price.

As for Evans, Metro says that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is “locked in talks to wrap up a £20m move” and that the deal could be concluded this week.

Baggies boss Alan Pardew is reportedly “keen” to offload Evans and use the money to strengthen his attacking options.