Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s recent behaviour has been met with bafflement by his Borussia Dortmund bosses.

The striker was dropped for last weekend’s Bundesliga clash with Wolfsburg for skipping a key team meeting. It was the second time this season he has been banned by his club for “disciplinary reasons”.

The 28-year-old is a reported target for Arsenal as a potential replacement for Alexis Sanchez, who is expected to depart the Emirates this month.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is Borussia Dortmund's star player (Martin Rickett/Empics)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is Borussia Dortmund’s star player (Martin Rickett/Empics)

“Disappointment is the wrong expression,” Dortmund coach Peter Stoger said in an interview with Sport Bild when asked about his feelings toward the Gabon international.

“Rather a lack of understanding as I cannot really comprehend his conduct. And I am certainly not the only one.”

Aubameyang is reportedly desperate for a move to Arsenal, whose new head of recruitment Sven Mislintat knows the player from his time at Dortmund.

But Stoger, who said he banned Aubameyang because in his view fines have no effect, says the striker is far from certain to leave.

Asked if he thought Aubameyang would stay at Dortmund this winter, he said: “I assume so.”

Despite his actions off the field, Aubameyang is hot property, having scored 31 Bundesliga goals last season and 13 in 15 games so far this term.