2 years ago
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has arrived in Barcelona ahead of his proposed loan move from Arsenal.
The two clubs have not yet agreed on a deal, but there is growing optimism that it will be completed before the transfer window closes on Monday night, with Aubameyang reportedly making "financial sacrifices" to get it done.
Aubameyang is willing to undergo a medical and would relocate to the Nou Camp until the end of the season.
Barcelona would not be able to make Aubameyang's move permanent, and talks about how much of the forward's salary they would cover are ongoing.
Juventus were also interested in signing Aubameyang, but their move was contingent on Atletico Madrid agreeing to end Alvaro Morata's loan spell.
As things stand, Morata will remain with Juventus.
Arsenal are willing to let Aubameyang leave after removing him as captain in December due to a disciplinary issue.
The 32-year-old hasn't played for the club since December 6, and he was left out of their warm-weather training camp in Dubai this week.
Earlier in the transfer window, Sky Sports News reported that the 32-year-old would prefer a move to a top European club if a deal could be struck.
Marseille, Sevilla, PSG, and AC Milan have all expressed interest, while Saudi Arabian clubs Al Nassr and Al Hilal have made loan offers with purchase obligations.
Following that, in the summer of 2020, he scored twice in Arsenal's FA Cup final victory over Chelsea. But, almost immediately after signing his new contract that September, there was a sense of decline, as if he was a player whose best days were behind him.
Without the captaincy, leadership has too often had to come from somewhere else. Arsenal's young players, not their highest-paid player, are propelling the club forward under Mikel Arteta. The club is well aware of the situation, having been through it with Mesut Ozil. It can't last forever.
At 32, there is still hope that Aubameyang can rediscover his best form, inspired by new surroundings and the challenge of restoring Barcelona to their former glories. At Arsenal, any regret will be tempered by the feeling that it is time for the club to move on
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