PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG has agreed to join Barcelona – but a deal will only be possible if the Arsenal captain asks to leave, according to reports in Spain.
Mundo Deportivo claim the Gunners striker, 30, is keen on a move to the Nou Camp.
Aubameyang could be on his way to Barcelona but must hand in a transfer request firstCredit: Getty
But with Aubameyang recently installed as club captain, it may not be easy for him to walk away.
The Spanish report suggests he will need to hand in an official transfer request in order to force a move to Quique Setien’s side.
The Gabon striker, who pockets a basic of around £200,000 a week plus huge bonuses at Arsenal after signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2018, is under contract at the Emirates until next summer.
But with the Gunners struggling, sitting tenth in the league, 34 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, Auba may decide to walk away in a bid to challenge for trophies.
Barcelona, too, are desperate – with new boss Setien forced into the transfer market this month due to the long-term injury suffered by Luis Suarez.
The Uruguayan ace was forced to go under the knife to rectify a problem in his knee.
With no other out-and-out strikers in the senior squad, Setien has targeted Aubameyang.
The Arsenal striker is currently banned for three games after his horror challenge on Crystal Palace’s Max Meyer during a 1-1 draw.
How Barcelona could line-up with Aubameyang leading the line
And it has previously been reported that Aubameyang would be prepared to quit Arsenal in the search for Champions League football.
If the most-recent reports in Spain are to be believed, a deal could now be on the cards before the window closes at the end of the month.
Aubameyang only joined Arsenal in 2018, scoring 57 times in 91 matches in all competitions.
Aubameyang 8/1 to join Barcelona
WILL Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang be off to the Nou Camp this month?
The rumour mill is churning into overdrive that the Arsenal ace could be off.
Ladbrokes have priced the deal at 8/1.
Fancy a flutter? Click here to head to Ladbrokes.
Arteta is keen to keep Aubameyang
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
