Manchester United to battle Arsenal and Chelsea for Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Manchester United are set to join the race for Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with Louis van Gaal identifying the Bundesliga striker as the missing link that can lead the Red Devils to Premier League glory. The Dutchman could face competition from Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona, but United's financial prowess may give him the means to beat any club if embroiled in a bidding war.

The Mirror reports that United will try to sign Aubameyang in January, but are likely to be rebuffed in their attempts as Dortmund look to keep their position in the top four. However, a move in the summer looks unavoidable should the player continue his goal scoring form, having already scored 22 in just 18 games so far. He will also add some pace to the United frontline.

His current deal runs until 2020, but United are ready to match the £42m ($63m) he is currently rated at, which would test Dortmund's resolve in keeping him. Chelsea are also in the market for a striker to replace Diego Costa, who has been in woeful form this season. Gonzalo Higuain and a few others have been earmarked to replace him, but Aubameyang's availability may force Jose Mourinho to change his plans in the upcoming transfer windows.

Meanwhile, Gary Neville believes that the Red Devils have the basic structure in place to challenge for the title, however, they need a couple of world class players to improve their attack. Aubameyang may be the final push that Van Gaal needs to win United's 21st league title, especially with the Dutchman's contract ending in 2017.

United are currently third in the league, a point behind leaders Manchester City, after settling for a 1-1 draw against Leicester City last weekend. Bastian Schweinsteiger scored the equaliser for the Red Devils after high-flying Jamie Vardy put Leicester ahead in the first half.