Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may yet still leave Arsenal on deadline day, as Guillem Balague reports for BBC Sport (31/01, 16:50) Barcelona have not given up hope for his late transfer.
Talks between the Gunners and Blaugrana had collapsed earlier this afternoon to put a deal in doubt. Barcelona chiefs have explored the striker’s potential availability for a last-ditch move to afford Xavi Hernandez a new centre-forward as he looks to replace Sergio Aguero.
Aubameyang had even travelled to Catalunya on Monday in advance of the clubs agreeing to terms for any move. The Gabon international arrived in Spain to help accelerate a switch by avoiding any unnecessary waiting to begin his medical.
However, The Athletic report Aubameyang’s proposed loan transfer fell through as Arsenal and Barcelona could not agree on the payment of his contract. The Gunners are keen to rid themselves of as much of the 32-year-old’s £350k-a-week salary as they possibly can.
Barcelona will likely need to improve the percentage they are willing to cover to seal a late transfer for Aubameyang with Arsenal. He would otherwise jump at the chance to move to the Camp Nou, where Xavi is keen on the attacker.
Barcelona hold the key to unlock Aubameyang’s Arsenal exit
Barcelona, then, effectively hold the key to unlocking Aubameyang’s exit from Arsenal on the January transfer deadline day. But they must decide whether or not they are willing to – and can afford to – pay enough of the forward’s salary to satisfy the Gunners’ request.
Otherwise, Aubameyang will be left stuck in north London and hoping for a second chance under Mikel Arteta. The 72-cap international has not featured since a brief seven-minute cameo at Everton on December 6. He also lost the club’s captaincy the following week.
Arteta will also hope Aubameyang’s form improves if he offers the Gunners’ £56m former club-record signing another chance. The January 2018 arrival from Borussia Dortmund has only scored four goals in 14 Premier League appearances, starting 12, so far this season.
Aubameyang – who Gary Neville thought was on track to become a Premier League legend after scoring 54 goals in his first three seasons at Arsenal – also only hit 10 in 29 last term.
“This performance from Aubameyang is unbelievable over two-and-a-half-years,” Neville said on Sky Sports. “He’s not mentioned as world-class, we don’t mention him as a Premier League great, but I think we have to.”
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