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Arsenal<\/a> reportedly rejected the chance to negotiate a January swap deal with Paris Saint-Germain<\/a> that would have seen Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang join the Ligue 1 leaders in exchange for Argentine striker Mauro Icardi.<\/p>\n According to the Athletic’s David Ornstein<\/a>, the Gunners did not want to shift from their policy of pursuing pre-established targets, instead preferring to focus their attention towards signing a replacement for Aubameyang in the summer.<\/p>\n The prospect of swapping Aubameyang for Icardi last month did not materialise because Arsenal already had a list of players they would look to sign in the event of their captain’s departure.<\/p>\n PSG forward Icardi was not on that list, meaning any prospect of the Ligue 1 leaders using the 28-year-old as part of a deal to bring Aubameyang to the Parc des Princes failed to materialise. The former Borussia Dortmund striker subsequently joined Barcelona<\/a> on a free transfer that was not confirmed until after the window had slammed shut.<\/p>\n Mikel Arteta’s side did not bring in a replacement for Aubameyang, leaving France forward Alexandre Lacazette as their main striking option until the end of the season.<\/p>\n Despite the wealth of attacking options in PSG’s squad – and their apparent willingness to sanction the player’s exit last month – Icardi has been an important player in Mauricio Pochettino’s system.<\/p>\n The forward has made 25 appearances in all competitions so far this season, but has only found the back of the net five times despite operating in the centre-forward’s position in an expensively-assembled side containing the likes of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbapp\u00e9.<\/p>\n Additionally, Icardi often finds himself on the periphery of the action when PSG play in the Champions League, the competition Pochettino was brought to the club to win.<\/p>\n The striker has yet to start a game in Europe’s elite competition as his manager often opts for a 4-3-3 formation on Champions League nights, but is a frequent starter in league and domestic cup matches.<\/p>\n Main Photo Embed from Getty Images<\/a>Arsenal Decided Against Exploring Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang-Mauro Icardi Swap Deal With Paris Saint-Germain<\/h2>\n
Gabon Striker Joined La Liga Giants Barcelona on Free Transfer<\/h3>\n
Icardi to Remain Key Figure for Paris Saint-Germain Despite Exit Possibility<\/h3>\n