February 01, (THEWILL) – Arsenal striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, is expected to join Barcelona on a free transfer. The striker’s contract with the Gunners expires in 18 months, although he has not played for the club since a disciplinary infraction in December.
On Deadline Day, the 32-year-old travelled to Barcelona in the hopes of facilitating a loan transfer, as THEWILL reported. However, it was later claimed that talks had broken down over pay.
With only a few hours left in the transfer window, it appears like the striker will get the move he wants. Aubameyang is now most likely to be joining Barcelona on a free move rather than a loan as earlier believed.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta said earlier in the day that “He has a house in Sitges [near Barcelona] and everyone knows we would like to have him. He is trying to sort out his situation with Arsenal. It’s complicated but we will keep trying.”
Mikel Arteta will be left with only Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah as his recognised forwards for the remainder of the season if Aubameyang leaves.
Barcelona, on the other hand, has already completed the permanent signing of winger Ferran Torres from Manchester City this window, as well as a weekend loan deal for Wolves’ Adama Traore.
Xavi has been eager to add to his squad in order to improve Barça’s shaky top-four hopes.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
