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Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel has said that there is no chance star striker and Arsenal target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be sold in this transfer window.
The Gunners have been linked with the recently crowned African Player of the Year all season long, but Tuchel says that the forward, who has scored 18 goals in 17 Bundesliga games this term, will be going nowhere.
"We have not considered Aubameyang's departure for a single second," the coach told Dortmund's official website.
"He is a pillar for us and we have big plans for him. There is no debate on him at all."
Arsenal will announce the signing of Mohamed Elneny from FC Basel this week, manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed.
When asked about the 23-year-old, who has completed a medical ahead of his £7.4m move, the manager said in his briefing today:
"We hope to have things done this week. I'm optimistic about the case. There are a lot of work permit problems and special paperwork on his visa.
"As long as it is not definitely signed you have to be cautious."
It has been reported that the initial work permit problems over the player's move have now been sorted.
Show all 22 1 /22Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Petr Cech - 6 out of 10 The Czech could do little about the opening goal but provided a safe pair of hands whenever he was called upon.
Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Hector Bellerin - 7 out of 10 The youngster was pinned back in first half but came alive in the second to claim two assists. Coped well in an difficult individual duel with Patrick van Aanholt.
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Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Gabriel Paulista - 6 out of 10 Fans feared the worst when the defender went down nursing an ankle injury early on but shook off the problem to produce a solid display.
2015 The Arsenal Football Club Plc
Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Laurent Koscielny - 6 out of 10 The Frenchman was partially guilty for the opening goal but, on the whole, produced the typically robust performance fans have come to expect.
Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Kieran Gibbs - 6 out of 10 The full-back's error led to Sunderland's goal but he did push forward well during the second half to create a flurry of opportunities from wide areas.
Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Calum Chambers - 6 out of 10 The jury is still out on whether he can play in central midfield. Stepped out confidently on occasions but his decision making was far from flawless.
2016 The Arsenal Football Club Plc
Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 6 out of 10 Although the midfielder struck the post with a curling effort the game passed him by for long periods. Needs to grab games by the scruff of the neck if he is to become a regular.
2016 The Arsenal Football Club Plc
Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Joel Campbell - 7 out of 10 The Costa Rican provided a superb measured finish to get his side back into the game. Once seen as little more than as back-up option, he is threatening to force his way into Wenger's strongest side.
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Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Alex Iwobi - 7 out of 10 The youngster provided a bright spark on his first Arsenal start. Created plenty of chances and proved to be a constant menace. Not shy of getting stuck in and looks a real player.
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Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Theo Walcott - 6 out of 10 The forward looked lively out on the left and created Campbell's opener from the left but was outshone by Iwobi.
Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Olivier Giroud - 6 out of 10 Nowhere to be seen for the majority of the game but still ended up on the score sheet. A forgettable day for the Frenchman.
2016 The Arsenal Football Club Plc
Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Jordan Pickford - 6 out of 10 Understandably showed nerves on his first-team debut and sometimes seemed overawed. Grew into the game and made a number of decent saves in the second half.
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Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings DeAndre Yedlin - 5 out of 10 Should not have let Walcott cross so easily to set up Campbell's first. Produced a brilliant cross of his own for Fletcher to hit the bar. Still much to prove defensively at this level.
2015 The Arsenal Football Club Plc
Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Sebastian Coates - 5 out of 10 Let Ramsey run clean past him with dire consequences for the second goal. Poor when it counted.
2015 The Arsenal Football Club Plc
Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings John O'Shea - 7 out of 10 Marshalled a compact Sunderland back line well until his substitution after an hour. It subsequently collapsed.
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Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Patrick van Aanholt - 6 out of 10 Often played on the front foot and, despite some decent attacking flourishes, caused Sunderland's left flank to become exposed.
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Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Lee Cattermole - 8 out of 10 Sunderland's best defensive performance. Protected not only the back four but swept up Pickford's early errors.
2016 The Arsenal Football Club Plc
Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Ola Toivonen - 7 out of 10 The Swede often looks awkward whether up front or in midfield but put in an industrious display here.
2015 The Arsenal Football Club Plc
Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Duncan Watmore - 8 out of 10 A typical show of busy, direct running in behind the opposition's defence. Deserved a goal.
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Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Jeremain Lens - 7 out of 10 Opened the scoring with a great show of tenacity to rob Koscielny. Faded as it went on.
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Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Danny Graham - 5 out of 10 Could not contain Bellerin or keep up with the full-back's pace in the latter stages, ultimately allowed the Spaniard to set up Arsenal's second and third goals.
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Arsenal vs Sunderland player ratings Steven Fletcher - 5 out of 10 Planted a header onto the woodwork but was largely anonymous. Did not hold the ball up long enough to relieve pressure on his defence.
Negotiations for the transfer of PSG’s Adrien Rabiot to Arsenal have continued, according to various reports.
It has been claimed this morning Rabiot’s mother, who also acts as his agent, has held more talks with the Gunners over the move.
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