Napoli discussed Aubameyang for three years - De Laurentiis

The Borussia Dortmund has been on the Partenopei patron's mind but he has now confirmed that he will not make a bid despite their ongoing striker crisis

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis says Borussia Dortmund star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is not the player the club needs to solve their issues up front, depite consdering a move for the striker for three years.

The Serie A title challengers are in need of reinforcements up front given summer arrival Arkadiusz Milik is out with a knee ligament injury, having scored seven goals in nine games to start the season.

Milik's services have been sorely missed following the departure of Gonzalo Higuain, with the Pole's replacement Manolo Gabbiadini scoring just twice so far this season.

However, De Laurentiis said he would not make a move for Aubameyang despite revealing he has been discussing Borussia Dortmund striker Aubameyang, who has 10 goals in 13 games this term, for the past three years.

"We didn't expect Milik to be out for so long, but we hope to have him back on January 15," De Laurentiis told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.

"[Coach Maurizio] Sarri's style of football requires specific characteristics. It is very difficult, as is only right, for a football man like Sarri to find the right elements for his philosophy.

"Many people give me advice on the line-up and it's something I appreciate, as it shows love and participation in the team, but in the end the coach is the one who decides. The fans are not interested in tactical balance.

"I have been talking about Aubameyang for three years, but I finally realised he's not the one Napoli need."