Barcelona and Manchester City are reportedly going head-to-head in the race to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal in January.
According to a report by Transfer Market Web, Barcelona and Manchester City are interested in snapping up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the January transfer window. However, it is also added that the Arsenal captain could struggle to get a lucrative contract at another club.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018 and instantly became a key figure for the Gunners. During his stint with the north Londoners, the 32-year-old’s form has often been a key factor in determining their fortunes, and it was during a dip in his levels that his team completely fell off in the Premier League last season.
Three months into the 2021/22 season, Aubameyang, who was promoted to the role of club captain two years ago, has gone some way in rediscovering his form. Thus far, he has managed a solid tally of seven goals and two assists in 11 appearances, with Arsenal climbing up to fifth in the Premier League table following a slow start to the season. And his improved form has alerted Barcelona and Manchester City.
Barcelona hold a long-standing interest in Aubameyang, having tried to sign him a few times previously. The Catalan giants remain eager to sign the Arsenal captain, with a January offer in the works. That is because Sergio Aguero is sidelined indefinitely while Luuk de Jong has been ineffective since arriving on loan from Sevilla.
With Martin Braithwaite also unavailable due to a long-term injury, Barcelona must sign a striker this winter as Xavi does not have a recognised centre-forward at his disposal. As a result, Aubameyang is a viable target for the Blaugrana, although the 32-year-old is also a target for Manchester City.
According to Transfer Market Web, the Premier League champions have recently submitted an enquiry for Aubameyang, although it is unclear whether their approach has been greeted positively. The interest in the Arsenal forward does make sense, though, as Pep Guardiola has only one natural striker at his disposal in Gabriel Jesus, who has largely been utilised out wide this season.
Following their failure to sign Harry Kane in the summer, the Citizens have been linked with several other strikers like Darwin Nunez, Dusan Vlahovic, and Arsenal contract rebel Alexandre Lacazette. And Aubameyang is also a viable target for Manchester City, who are set to vie with Barcelona for his signature in January.
However, the report adds that his wages could be a stumbling block in completing a move, as neither Barcelona nor Manchester City will match the €15 million annual income he earns at Arsenal. So, it remains to be seen if Barcelona or Manchester City can reach a compromise to see a transfer through or if he chooses to stay put at Arsenal instead amid their recent resurgence.
