Borussia Dortmund agree signing of Arsenal target | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund are set to complete the signing of centre-forward Serhou Guirassy from VfB Stuttgart, with Arsenal fading from the race.

STUTTGART, GERMANY: Serhou Guirassy of VfB Stuttgart challenges Jeff Chabot of 1.FC Köln during the Bundesliga match between VfB Stuttgart and 1. FC Köln at MHPArena on February 24, 2024. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto have confirmed that Borussia Dortmund have agreed on the signing of Serhou Guirassy from fellow Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart, with the player accepting the transfer.

Dortmund have been working on the deal for a number of months now, and they’ve finally got the green light from the player’s side, with the formal steps of the transfer to follow.

There’s no need for negotiation between Dortmund and Stuttgart, as they intend to pay his €17.5m release clause. If the player is willing to accept the deal, it will go through.

STUTTGART, GERMANY: Serhou Guirassy of VfB Stuttgart celebrates during the Bundesliga match between VfB Stuttgart and 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 at MHPArena on March 31, 2024. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)

Guirassy had been linked with Arsenal, particularly in light of his decision to inform Stuttgart of his desire to leave, though he would have cost the Gunners a little bit more than he’s costing Dortmund.

Recent reports suggested Guirassy had a separate €20m (£16.9m) release clause for non-German clubs, and Dortmund were worried about Arsenal activating it.

With 30 goals in 30 games in all competitions, Guirassy seemed like good value even at that price, but at 28 he was an imperfect fit for Arsenal.

Previous reports have suggested the Gunners are looking for a younger backup to Kai Havertz, whilst Guirassy would probably want starts immediately.

STUTTGART, GERMANY: Serhou Guirassy of Stuttgart looks on during the Bundesliga match between VfB Stuttgart and FC Bayern München at MHPArena on May 04, 2024. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

The Guinea international had also never scored more than 15 goals in a campaign before his 30 in 2023/24, and he had a couple of hamstring injuries this season.

Though Guirassy did go to the Africa Cup of Nations with Guinea, he was only fit to play 115 minutes of their five matches, and he has just three goals in 18 games for his country.

The striker’s 30-goal season was enough for Dortmund to ignore all of that and to take a risk on him, but Arsenal were evidently not convinced to do the same.