Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, January arrival at Spanish giants Barcelona, has revealed his hope that Ousmane Dembele will ultimately come to the decision to commit to fresh terms at the Camp Nou ahead of next season.
Aubameyang’s comments of course come amid a tense situation surrounding wide-man Dembele’s future in Catalunya.
Despite repeated attempts on the part of the Blaugrana’s board, the French international has refused to put pen to paper on a new contract with the club, ahead of the imminent expiration of his current terms in the summer.
Nevertheless, Dembele continues to play an important role in Xavi Hernandez’s first-team squad, and even chipped in with an assist during Barca’s meeting with Valencia on Sunday.
In turn, one individual who continues to hold out hope that ‘Dembouz’ will eventually change his mind and opt to stay put is the aforementioned Aubameyang.
Speaking in an interview with Mundo Deportivo on Monday, Aubameyang, who has been reunited with Dembele in the Catalan capital after the pair previously struck up a strong bond at Borussia Dortmund, explained:
“I told Dembélé: bro, you should stay at Barça. I don’t know if he’ll change his mind but… I can only say that anything can happen”.
Aubameyang tells @mundodeportivo: “I told Dembélé: bro, you should stay at Barça. I don’t know if he’ll change his mind but… I can only say that anything can happen”. ?? #FCB
…and he’s telling Dembélé the same every day in training. Pierre really hopes for Ousmane to stay. pic.twitter.com/WK8xcPZy4g
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 21, 2022
Hat-trick hero
Aubameyang’s comments on his attacking partner in crime of course come fresh on the back of a wonderful evening’s work for the Gabonese on Sunday.
Amid the club’s efforts to solidify their spot in La Liga’s top-4, Barcelona made the trip to the Mestalla for a meeting with Valencia a little over 24 hours ago.
And, when all was said and done, a fine display culminated in the Blaugrana bagging all three points, courtesy of a 4-1 triumph.
Aubameyang, meanwhile, proved the undisputed star of the show, bagging a hat-trick in his first start in the Spanish top-flight, providing a timely reminder to any doubters of his abilities in front of goal.
An absolutely ruthless finish as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang bags his first LaLiga goal! ?
Smashed into the roof of the net to give Barca the lead ?? pic.twitter.com/3znx5piAem
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) February 20, 2022
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