Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been dropped from the Borussia Dortmund squad ahead of their next game against Hertha Berlin as his proposed move to Arsenal draws closer.

Sporting director Michael Zorc revealed the Gabon international will not play in their upcoming Bundesliga tie because he is not in the right frame of mind due to uncertainty surrounding his future.

Zorc told reporters: 'He's practising in Dortmund, we felt, that he is not a 100 per cent with his mind focused. We'll see, if this will help him. It's a difficult situation.

ubameyang is Arsenal's No 1 target to replace Manchester United-bound Alexis Sanchez and talks over a £53million move have been in progress this week.

The 28-year-old, who has been fined and dropped several times this season over a series of behavioural issues, has asked permission to seal a move to the Emirates Stadium.

At his press conference on Thursday, Arsene Wenger was asked whether Aubameyang would be a good fit for his side and he responded: 'Yes because a character can be very positive and very negative. Overall you look at the achievement of the player over his career.'

An unusually open response from the Frenchman upset Borussia Dortmund, who quickly issued a rebuke and claimed 'no contact' had been made with regard to their star striker.

The statement from Zoric read: 'Borussia Dortmund would like to make a statement in response to the comments made by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

'The coach of the Premier League club said at a press conference on Thursday that the character of the Dortmund forward would fit the Gunners well.

'We find it disrespectful to respond to (questions about) players from other clubs.

'There is no contact with Arsenal. We assume that Arsene Wenger is busy enough with the performance of his own players.'

However, it is understood that Dortmund are open to selling Aubameyang this month if they can seal a replacement first. They are in preliminary talks with Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, who could be included in a cash-plus-player deal.

Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi has also been discussed by Dortmund, although there is plenty of interest in the former Marseille star.

Giroud, who turned down a move to Everton last summer, wants to play regularly to stand a chance of making France's World Cup squad.

More talks are planned between Arsenal and Dortmund over Aubameyang's departure on Friday, while the Gunners are also closing in on a deal for Manchester United playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Sanchez will move the other way.

They should sell the guy jare, its obvious he doesn't wan to stay

He's Going To Be A Good Signing For The Gunner