Barcelona president Joan Laporta has, late on Monday evening, provided an update on the club’s deadline day efforts to add to Xavi Hernandez’s squad, specifically, the Blaugrana’s pursuit of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The name of Arsenal outcast Aubameyang has of course taken its place front and centre in the headlines in Catalunya over the course of the day to date.
This comes with those in a position of power at the Emirates having sanctioned a departure for their one-time captain, and Barca keen on taking advantage of the situation.
‘Auba’ himself even flew out to the Catalan capital earlier today.
So, why the hold up in the transfer coming to fruition?
Well, as confirmed by a number of sources this evening, despite the Gabonese himself pushing for a move to the Camp Nou, the respective boards at Arsenal and Barcelona have been unable to find an agreement on the split of Aubameyang’s wages.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 06: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal looks dejected after the Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park on December 6, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Speaking in an interview with Mundo Deportivo this evening, it therefore came as little surprise when Barcelona president Joan Laporta was drawn on the suggestion that negotiations over a deal had collapsed.
The Blaugrana chief, however, was quick to assure that this is not the case.
Albeit whilst admitting that the operation remains ‘complicated’, the board at the Camp Nou remain fully committed to adding Aubameyang to Xavi’s attacking ranks before the January window slams shut late tonight.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta to MD: “We would like to incorporate Aubameyang. It’s very complicated but there is hope”, he said. ? #FCB pic.twitter.com/BC7h9XVjTE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2022
‘Working on it’
Laporta was also pressed on the subject of Barca’s transfer plans as a whole in the lead up to the deadline.
And the Spaniard confirmed that a number of options remain ‘open’ to the La Liga heavyweights, who intend to push for reinforcements until the last:
Barcelona president Joan Laporta: “We’ve still options open. We’re working on it – and we will until the last minute”, he told @qiglesias. ?? #FCB #DeadlineDay
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2022
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