Barcelona and Inter Milan are reportedly ready to lock horns in pursuit of Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer.
According to a report by Daily Express, Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be set for a move away from London, with Barcelona and Inter Milan plotting summer moves for the 30-year-old.
Arsenal are eager to keep hold of their captain and keep Barcelona and Inter Milan at bay, but a complicated financial situation could be their undoing. After Olympiacos knocked them out of the Europa League, Arsenal might have to recover for around £27 million for the season, if they fail to finish in the Champions League places in the English top-flight.
Aubameyang moved to Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund as part of an indirect three-way deal between the aforementioned clubs and Chelsea. Dortmund got Michy Batshuayi on loan from Chelsea; Chelsea received the services of Olivier Giroud from Arsenal and Arsenal got Aubameyang in the deal. It would be fair to say Arsenal came out as the real winners in this deal.
At the moment, the man in question is the joint-top scorer of the Premier League alongside Leicester City front-man Jamie Vardy, scoring 17 of the 39 goals that Arsenal have scored so far. With the Gunners teetering at 10th on the table, they could find it difficult hold on to their best players.
Last season’s Premier League Golden Boot winner Aubameyang could, thus, move if any club can meet his personal terms. A move to Barcelona or Inter Milan looks quite possible to that end, with both clubs looking to lure him in with the chance to play in the Champions League.
A reason why a switch to San Siro could happen is because Lautaro Martinez is on quite a few clubs’ radars after having a stellar 2019-20 season so far. A move to Barcelona could be a possibility for the Argentine, and Aubameyang would be a perfect replacement to fit into Antonio Conte’s system at Inter Milan.
Considering Aubameyang’s age, one would think a move to become Barcelona’s first-choice striker is not the best idea for the club. However, Josep Maria Bartemou & co. are looking for a world class striker to replace Luis Suarez, and there aren’t enough options in the market that currently fit the bill.
With Aubameyang set to enter the final year of his contract with Arsenal in the summer, any move is unlikely to set the suitors back by a great deal. Barcelona and Inter Milan could, therefore, find a deal for the 30-year-old appealing despite his age.
What now remains to be seen is if Aubameyang does end up leaving Arsenal this summer. If so, his next destination will be interesting to see. The Gunners, though, will be eager to keep hold of their club captain beyond the duration of his current contract.
