- Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi could replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
- This could move Arsenal closer to signing the Borussia Dortmund striker
- Batshuayi could do with a move away from Chelsea for more first-team football
- READ MORE: Arsenal prepare bid for Premier League star alongside deals for Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan
Borussia Dortmund have reportedly identified Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi as the man to replace Arsenal transfer target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Daily Mirror have linked the Gabon international with a move to the Emirates Stadium in a potential swap deal this month, but this latest update suggests that particular arrangement could be off the table.
The Mirror had claimed Arsenal hoped to offer Olivier Giroud to the Bundesliga giants as a direct replacement for Aubameyang, but reports in Germany now suggest they would prefer to sign Batshuayi.
Despite not impressing at Stamford Bridge, Batshuayi has been on Dortmund’s radar in the past and is now on their agenda again this January, according to Bild, as translated by the Mirror.
The Belgium international has not been a regular for Antonio Conte’s side and an exit this month makes sense amid rumours that Antonio Conte wants to replace him up front.
The Telegraph have linked Chelsea with a surprise move for West Ham striker Andy Carroll, and it may be that completing that move would allow Batshuayi to join Dortmund, thereby boosting Arsenal’s Aubameyang pursuit.
The Mirror add that Dortmund have planned talks with Aubameyang as they hope to make one final effort to keep the 28-year-old at the club.