Newcastle United have now made contact with Arsenal for striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ahead of a potential move in this January transfer window.

What's the story?

According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, the Magpies are "trying" for the Gabon international, and that "contact" has already been made with the Gunners for the maverick striker.

It's added that a "possible loan is being discussed", and that crucially, Aubameyang himself "would like the destination".

Fans will be buzzing

While Aubameyang may not have covered himself in glory this season either on the pitch or off it - he's netted just four goals in the Premier League and was recently stripped of the Arsenal captaincy by Mikel Arteta - he still remains a class player who could provide Newcastle with genuine quality up front.

It was only a couple of seasons ago that Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was waxing lyrical about the striker, and how good he is compared to the rest of the Premier League's elite forwards.

He said: "Including me, we have stopped short of announcing Aubameyang as world class. We're happy to go with (Sergio) Aguero, we're happy to go with (Sadio) Mane and (Mohamed) Salah, (Roberto) Firmino, (Harry) Kane… all these players who have graced the Premier League in the last two or three seasons.

"I feel that Aubameyang doesn't get that same credit and maybe it's something that comes from when he first entered into English football. I think he's been absolutely sensational, and I think now's the time for us all to start recognising the quality and the brilliance of this player. He fights for the team, he's always there, and for me, he's everything you would want in a football player."

The man with 294 career goals to his name could be the perfect replacement for the injured Wilson for the remainder of this Premier League season.

Galetti's update that the Magpies have now made contact for him, and that Aubameyang himself is interested in a move to St James' Park is sure to have fans absolutely buzzing.

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