Manchester City: Dortmund name their price; Guardiola eyes up Bellerin; Brazil legend praises Jesus

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German side Borussia Dortmund have named their price for star-forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, amidst increasing interest from Europe’s top clubs over a summer move.

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Aubameyang, who the Manchester Evening News have said is part of Pep’s potential summer shopping list, could be tempted to leave Dortmund with a deal worth just shy of £70 million.

Dortmund’s Chief Executive, Hans-Joachim Watzke, has revealed that an offer in the region of €80 million would give the club no choice but to discuss a move – despite not wanting the Gabon international to leave.

Speaking to Kicker TV, Watzke said:

“We can never guarantee that a player will stay with Borussia Dortmund forever, but our strength is to always find new solutions.

“With an €80m offer, I would be thinking. If we had one (an offer), we would have to get together with Pierre-Emerick.

“We always have to differentiate between situations where there is such an offer, but we have no pressure – I would prefer it if no offer came.”

If Guardiola was to be successful in his hunt for Aubameyang, it would shatter Manchester City’s transfer record – which was the £55 million they shipped out for current midfielder Kevin de Bruyne.

Aubameyang is due back from the Africa Cup of Nations over the upcoming days after his Gabon side crashed out in the group stages – despite the Dortmund striker scoring twice in three games.

Another player reportedly part of Manchester City’s shopping list is Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin, according to The Times.

With the report suggesting that both Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna are on their way out of the exit door at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola is believed to be an admirer of Bellerin and will inquire about a summer move.

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Arsenal’s 21-year-old right-back has burst onto the Premier League scene over recent years, becoming known for his blistering speed and ability to cause damage on the over-lap; at the tender age of 21 he could become a mainstay in City’s back-line as Guardiola looks to strengthen from the back.

Arsenal could be reluctant to let him go, however, after Bellerin signed a six-year deal in November.

With all of this talk of potential signings, City’s latest arrival has received some high praise today from Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos, who has labelled 19-year-old Gabriel Jesus as a ‘fantastic’ buy.

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Speaking to Sky Sports, Carlos said that he believes Jesus will become a huge player for Pep Guardiola’s side over the upcoming years – as long as he’s given time to adapt to the Premier League.

He said:

“Gabriel will be very important for Manchester City but he needs time to adapt. I would ask that people don’t put pressure on him too soon.

“He showed what he can do in the last 15 minutes of the game against Tottenham.

“He showed his fantastic speed and he scored the goal that was ruled out for offside. It made people notice him, but it can be difficult for a young boy coming to a new country. He has to adapt.”

Jesus impressed with his cameo on his debut last weekend against top-four rivals Spurs, finding the back of the net only to see it ruled out for offside.

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