The Borussia Dortmund manager, Thomas Tuchel, has warned potential suitors that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is not for sale.
The Gabon striker and reigning African player of the year took his season’s tally of goals to 30 on Thursday night as Dortmund beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
Reports in Spain have claimed that the 26-year-old has signed a pre-contract deal with Real Madrid next season, with Dortmund expected to demand a transfer fee of €100m. However, Tuchel has insisted that Aubameyang, who extended his contract last summer until 2020, will not be leaving.
“Everybody has to accept he has a long-term contract without the possibility to step out,” Tuchel said. “Auba signed his contract because he feels good here. He feels that he can still develop and still grow.
“I can imagine a lot of clubs see his performance, his talent and his personality and can imagine Auba plays for them.
“But we have our own goals. We want to keep this squad together and develop into something extraordinary. We want to have players that lift our status.
“It is not our goal to give him away. I cannot see the future but if you ask me as a coach, I’m very happy he has a long-term contract.”
Tottenham’s hopes of overturning the deficit appear unlikely after Marco Reus scored twice in the second half to add to Aubameyang’s opener. The Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld, who was one of just four players to retain his place from last weekend’s Premier League draw against Arsenal, admitted they had been outplayed.
“We started well but they took control and it was a difficult night for us,” the Belgian told the club’s website. “For now we have to focus on an important game at [Aston] Villa on Sunday and then we’ll think about the return leg.”
