Has Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ‘done an Odemwingie’? Barcelona chiefs are said to be SURPRISED Arsenal striker has jetted to Spain, even though they haven’t yet struck a deal to sign him, as he desperately seeks an Emirates exit
- Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is closing in on a loan move to Barcelona
- The 32-year-old was pictured arriving in Catalonia on transfer deadline day
- Aubameyang is willing to take a cut on his £350,000-a-week salary
- Barcelona’s decision also does not hinge on the departure of Ousmane Dembele
- Yet reports say Barca weren’t expecting Aubameyang to show upl, bringing back memories of Peter Odemwingie’s famous QPR transfer saga in 2013
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Barcelona are reportedly surprised that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has already arrived in Spain as he looks to facilitate a loan move from Arsenal before the January window shuts tonight.
Barca finance directors have held discussions this morning about how to fit Aubameyang into their salary cap as the Gabon forward arrived in Catalonia on Monday morning.
And in a photo circulating on social media on transfer deadline day, the 32-year-old was already in Barcelona posing for photos – yet reports in Spain say Barca weren’t expecting Aubameyang to show up and nor were Arsenal, bringing back memories of Peter Odemwingie’s famous QPR transfer saga in 2013.
Barcelona are reportedly surprised that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has already arrived in Spain (L), bringing back memories of Peter Odemwingie’s famous transfer saga in 2013 (R)
Barcelona directors are today discussing how to fit Aubameyang into their salary cap
Nigerian forward Odemwingie arrived at QPR’s ground, Loftus Road, on deadline day in January 2013 as he looked to facilitate a move from West Brom.
However, he was not allowed in the building as the two clubs had not agreed a deal, nor did they reach one as the deadline was reached, leaving Odemwingie red-faced.
Odemwingie even conducted an interview with Sky Sports about moving to QPR, insisting he was ‘optimistic’ a deal could materialise.
Aubameyang is still hoping to finalise his loan and is willing to take a reduction in his estimated £350,000-a-week salary to make it happen if necessary.
Barcelona’s decision does not hinge on the departure of Ousmane Dembele but losing his wages would make their financial equation easier to solve.
Aubameyang is close to joining Xavi’s LaLiga giants in a loan deal until the end of the season
Dembele’s representatives remain in contact with Paris St Germain over a potential transfer.
Barcelona have been asking for a £16.5m fee but are open to proposals. Swaps with players have been dismissed so far with names such as Ángel Di María, Mauro Icardi and Juan Bernat all floated.
Eddie Nketiah is likely to stay at Arsenal should Aubameyang depart, despite a request from Crystal Palace.
Barcelona’s decision on Aubameyang does not hinge on the departure of Ousmane Dembele
Arsenal have been looking to move Aubameyang on ever since he was dropped from the squad by coach Mikel Arteta and stripped of the captaincy following a breach of discipline.
Barcelona have had a busy transfer window, signing Spain striker Ferran Torres from Manchester City for £55million, despite the much publicised financial problems which forced them to part ways with Lionel Messi last year.
They have also brought Adama Traore back to the club where he began his career, on a loan deal from Wolves.
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