FC Barcelona’s move for Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has broken down.

Aubameyang has been out of favour in north London for some time now, so a move away did seem to make sense.

On Sunday, 101 covered a report that claimed Barcelona were nearing an agreement with Arsenal for Aubameyang, but the main issue to resolve was who pays what of the African striker’s fairly large salary.

Spanish outlet AS, then claimed on Monday that sources close to the Aubameyang operation were very optimistic and believed that the transfer to Barcelona would take place.

This would be followed up by confirmation that the Gabon star was in Barcelona ahead of a potential move:


Now though, with the transfer window set to slam shut at 11 pm UK time on Monday, Aubameyang’s switch to Catalonian appears to be off.

As per David Ornstein of The Athletic, Barcelona and Arsenal’s talks for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s loan have broken down over salary issues, and unless Barcelona find major money, the deal is off.

It is added that the forward is returning to London from what’s said to have been a family trip to Barcelona:


What will Arteta do with Aubameyang?

This leaves Mikel Arteta with the task of figuring out what he will do with Aubameyang for the rest of the season.

Arsenal were seemingly ready to let the 32-year-old depart this month despite not having signed a striker of their own.

But if Aubameyang is able to earn his way back into the side, perhaps it could be a boost for Arsenal’s season.

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