Friday 8 January 2016 16:19, UK
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has quashed speculation linking him with a move away from Borussia Dortmund, insisting he has no intention of joining Arsenal.
The 26-year-old has been in prolific form for Dortmund this season, scoring a staggering 24 goals in 23 appearances for the Bundesliga club.
His stellar displays have attracted interest from across Europe, with widespread media reports stating Premier League leaders Arsenal made a bid in excess of £40m for the Gabon international.
However, speaking after collecting his first African Footballer of the Year award on Thursday, Aubameyang put an end to reports linking him with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
"Let me say this first: I am not going to Arsenal," he told ESPN at the ceremony. "Dortmund is my club and I am not leaving soon."
The news will come as a blow for Arsene Wenger as he bids to end the Gunners' 12-season wait for the Premier League title.
With Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck suffering long-term injuries this term, Arsenal's attacking options have been scarce, with Olivier Giroud and the mesmeric Mesut Ozil shouldering much of the responsibility.
Aubameyang, meanwhile, has risen to prominence at Dortmund, particularly after the high-profile departures of Jurgen Klopp, Robert Lewandowski and Mario Gotze in recent seasons.
His goal glut left Dortmund eight points adrift of Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich at the winter break, and news of his desire to remain at the Westfalenstadion will only strengthen their bid for a first German title in four years.
