Real Madrid have reportedly joined Barcelona in the race to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal, having enquired about him over a summer move.
According to a report by French outlet France Football, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has a new suitor in Real Madrid. The Spanish heavyweights have lodged an enquiry with Arsenal over a possible move in the summer transfer window for the €50 million rated Gabonese striker, who is also the subject of interest from Barcelona,
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018 and has since made a massive impact for the Gunners. In his first full season at the Emirates, the 30-year-old won the Premier League Golden Boot and is in contention to win it once again this term.
A clear standout in an average Arsenal side, the player has also been promoted to the role of club captaincy. In 26 Premier League outings this term, he has scored 17 goals, with only Jamie Vardy ahead of him in the top scorers chart. However, with a little over a year left on his Arsenal contract, suitors have started emerging on his trail, with Barcelona and Real Madrid both interested.
At Barcelona, Luis Suarez has been a top asset over the last half-a-decade and more, but has shown signs of age catching up with him. Of late, the Uruguayan has been unable to sustain his levels over the course of a season, while Antoine Griezmann has struggled to make a great deal of impact in his maiden season at Camp Nou.
While Lautaro Martinez is reportedly Barcelona’s priority, the club’s poor financial condition could force them to turn their attention elsewhere, making Aubameyang a viable target. Real Madrid, on the other hand, seem to be in a similar boat as Barcelona.
Karim Benzema has been a player reborn since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, having taken on a lot of the goalscoring burden for Real Madrid in the last two seasons. However, if the current term is any indication, Real Madrid need quality competition for the Frenchman.
Last summer’s signing Luka Jovic was supposed to be this competition, but has struggled to stamp his authority at the Santiago Bernabeu. As a result, Real Madrid are having to look at possible options to reinforce the central striker’s position this summer, with Jovic, in turn, linked with a move to Arsenal.
As per the report, Real Madrid have taken a definitive step in pursuit of Aubameyang, to possibly leapfrog Barcelona in the race to sign him, having submitted an enquiry to Arsenal for the 30-year-old striker. France Football have also suggested that the north Londoners value the player at €50 million.
While Aubameyang has insisted that he is content at Arsenal, the fact that he is yet to sign on the dotted line of a new contract means the Gunners are in a precarious position. And, a €50 million asking price is unlikely to deter Barcelona or Real Madrid from making a move.
For now, it looks like Real Madrid have joined Barcelona in the race to sign Aubameyang. What now remains to be seen is if the Gunners will be able to keep hold of their club captain, or if he ends up parting ways with the Premier League giants this summer.
