David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that a deal for Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is moving closer with the player set to head to La Liga and join Barcelona on loan until the end of the current 2021/22 season.
🚨 EXCL: Barcelona nearing agreement with Arsenal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang loan until summer. Main issue to resolve is salary. Would be major saving for #AFC but no loan fee or buy option/obligation. No incoming deals close @TheAthleticUK #FCBarcelona https://t.co/D8Xj4gy7UC
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 30, 2022
Loan Deal Close for Arsenal Striker
Agreement
An agreement on a loan deal for the Arsenal striker is said to be close after talks between Arsenal, Barcelona and the player progressed well, although Ornstein has stressed that this is not a done deal just yet.
The one remaining issue is the £350,000 a week wage and how that will be paid and most importantly who will pay what part of that salary. Usually an agreement is made for the loan side to pay a ratio of that wage but that is yet to be agreed and could yet be a stumbling block despite the negotiations being at an advanced stage.
No Loan Fee
Ornstein understands that should the deal be concluded before the 31st January deadline, Arsenal will not receive a loan fee for Aubameyang. With Barcelona’s much publicised financial difficulties, the lack of a loan fee will be music to their ears but they will also not reportedly get an option to buy at the end of the loan due to their ongoing issues and the implications of financial fair play rules.
Since becoming the Barcelona boss after Ronald Koeman’s sacking earlier in the season, Xavi has been eager to strengthen his squad up front and has made Aubameyang his top target and is now close to achieving his aim. His plan is that he would give the Arsenal man the number nine role.
Arsenal Striker Fell Out of Favour
Aubameyang has had a difficult relationship with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta in the last two seasons and a loan deal would at least temporarily make that issue relent, with tensions said to be unlikely to be resolved and his Arsenal career coming to a close.
A loan move would put Aubameyang firmly in the shop window ahead of a likely permanent move away from the Emirates in the summer transfer window.
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