Barcelona are reportedly scouring the market for a striker, with Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on their radar.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Barcelona are desperate to enter the transfer market for a striker following Sergio Aguero’s layoff due to a heart condition. One of the options on the Catalan giants’ radar is Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Aubameyang joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018 and made an immediate impact at the Emirates. In the first 30 months of his stint with the Gunners, the Gabonese forward was nigh on incomparable, with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Harry Kane arguably the only attacking players on his level in the Premier League.
However, the last year has been difficult for Aubameyang, whose struggles mirrored those of Arsenal’s. That being said, the 32-year-old has battled hard to rediscover his form and has started the 2021/22 season decently, raking in seven goals and two assists in ten appearances. His improved form seems to have captured the attention of Barcelona.
Barcelona have been forced to dip their toes into the transfer market following Sergio Aguero’s forced layoff due to a heart condition. The issue is set to sideline the Argentine forward for at least three months, which has left the Blaugrana short of quality options in the attacking unit, especially with Luuk de Jong failing to impress since arriving on loan from Sevilla.
So, it is hardly surprising that Barcelona are keen on signing a striker in January. And president Joan Laporta is personally driving the bid to sign a centre forward this winter, with Aubameyang and Edinson Cavani emerging as the priority options for the Catalan giants.
Like Aubameyang, Cavani has been linked with Barcelona heavily recently, with both the experienced players being viable targets for the club. And Barcelona are ready to set aside around €20 million to sign a striker in the January transfer window.
What remains to be seen is if a €20 million bid for Aubameyang is enough for Barcelona to swoop him away from Arsenal or if they are forced to launch the offensive for Cavani instead. With Arsenal showing major improvements, it would not be surprising if they refuse to deal with Barcelona for the 32-year-old forward.