The back and forth at Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made for an exciting “deadline day” in Barcelona. But even the day after, the club was rather quiet. Nevertheless, there was clarity.
Former Dortmund Bundesliga striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made the last minute move from Arsenal to FC Barcelona. The documents arrived from England “a minute” before the transfer window closed, Barca President Joan Laporta reported on Tuesday during a press conference on the club’s financial report.
There has therefore been no announcement of the change, said Laporta – but the contract was signed and the medical examination passed. The Gabonese Aubameyang (32) is expected to be introduced at the end of the week. He was already part of the squad for Tuesday’s training session, although the club kept him in the background in the photos posted on social media.
Arsenal also confirmed in the afternoon that Aubameyang is leaving the Gunners. However, the club did not announce that he was moving to Barcelona. “We wish Auba all the best for the next chapter in his career and want to thank him for his contribution to this club.”
No chance under Arteta
The Gabonese has been a striker for the north London side since January 2018, scoring 92 goals in 162 appearances. However, under Mikel Arteta, Aubameyang had been sidelined and made few appearances. Therefore, the former BVB striker had forced a change.
Recently there had been concerns about his health. The captain had left the national team camp at the Africa Cup of Nations after suffering from corona to be examined in London for heart problems. His heart was “completely fine,” he later wrote on Instagram.