The former Borussia Dortmund striker flew to Barcelona hoping for a move. For a long time it looked as if the deal would burst. But apparently there was a turning point.
The “Deadline Day” is famous for its bizarre anecdotes, there are always spectacular transfers at the last minute before the end of the transfer period. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang now knows what it’s all about.
According to reports, the Arsenal striker’s move to FC Barcelona didn’t go through. Everything looked like it. The Spanish newspaper “Sport”, which is close to the Catalans, and “The Athletic” reported in the afternoon that the former BVB star had flown unsuccessfully to Barcelona this Monday. The planned loan would not come about. Barcelona’s President Joan Laporta also told the “Mundo Deportivo” that it does not look like an agreement.
But a few hours later came the turning point. “The Athletic” and Sky Sports reported that there would be a change. All parties agreed that the striker was at the medical check-up. Aubameyang is said to have even agreed to a pay cut in order to be able to sign with the struggling FC Barcelona. It is said to be on a six-month loan plus an option for a further year, which would also be his last on his Arsenal contract. A return to London would therefore be unlikely.
Only 15 appearances this season
That would also suit the 32-year-old – but after arguments with coach Mikel Arteta he seems to have no future there. Arteta has already taken away his captain’s armband. “Auba” recently made headlines with heart problems – the 72-time international had to leave the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Aubameyang has made 15 competitive appearances for Arsenal this season, scoring seven goals. His contract in London runs until 2023. After five years at Borussia Dortmund, the striker, known for his idiosyncratic hairstyles, switched to the Premier League club in 2018 for 63 million euros.