Aubameyang’s potential permanent Barcelona switch & what it means for Arsenal’s striker search
A major update has surfaced surrounding Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s proposed move to La Liga heavyweights FC Barcelona.
This comes amid the suggestion that the transfer is now very much back on the cards ahead of Monday evening’s winter transfer deadline.
After reports spread like wildfire in the media this afternoon that the deal was on the verge of collapse owing to a disagreement over the split of Aubameyang’s wages, it has now been confirmed by a host of reliable sources that fresh optimism has emerged when it comes to a last-gasp move coming to fruition.
Not only that but, as per David Ornstein of The Athletic, ‘Auba’ may in fact never line out in Arsenal’s colours again.
It is understood that the Gunners have opened to the terms of a deal which would see their one-time captain make the move to the Camp Nou on loan for the remainder of the season.
From here, though, Barca will have the option to make the hitman’s addition a permanent one.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Barcelona have verbal agreement with Arsenal (subject to contract) to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on 6 months + 1 year deal that, if completed, will bring his #AFC career to an end. Medical to take place tonight @TheAthleticUK #FCBarcelona https://t.co/4wXWdGSNB8
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 31, 2022
*Update* – Remarkably, it has since been suggested elsewhere that Aubameyang will instead arrive in Catalunya as part of a free transfer, ahead of the imminent termination of his Arsenal contract:
I’m told Aubameyang will join Barcelona on a free transfer if this goes through, not a loan.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) January 31, 2022
Gunners frustrations mount
Those of an Arsenal persuasion desperate for Aubameyang’s imminent exit to open the door to a surprise late addition to Mikel Arteta’s attacking ranks in north London, however, need not get their hopes up.
This comes amid confirmation that the fresh progress towards a deal between the Gunners and their Barcelona counterparts has little to do with a breakthrough in the former’s efforts to land a new striker of their own:
Arsenal sources indicate this is not reflective of any breakthrough on potential incomings. They are willing to let Aubameyang go without replacing him.
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) January 31, 2022
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