Barcelona are reportedly considering working out a swap arrangement with Arsenal involving Philippe Coutinho and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January.
According to Jota Jordi on El Chiringuito TV, Barcelona are pondering over the potential signing of Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January and would be willing to offer Philippe Coutinho in exchange for the striker.
Aubameyang will be celebrating his fourth anniversary at Arsenal next month. Having arrived from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018, the Gabonese international became an instant hit at the Emirates Stadium, quickly establishing himself as one of the most feared forwards in the Premier League.
However, the 32-year-old who was given the captain’s armband last season has experienced a major decline in form over the past eighteen months, with goals drying up for the forward. Furthermore, he was also relieved of the captaincy duties earlier this season after disciplinary breaches.
Since then, manager Mikel Arteta has not named him in any of the matchday squads, leading to question marks over his future at the club. And, Barcelona, who are in the market for a new striker, have shown an interest in securing his services. The Catalan giants are looking to add a natural goalscorer to their ranks in the January transfer window after seeing Sergio Aguero announce his retirement.
Even though they are on the verge of signing Ferran Torres from Manchester City, a move for a proper No. 9 could come in handy for the Blaugrana as they look to make a push for a top-four finish after a disappointing first half of the season. It has led to links with the former Arsenal captain, but given their financial situation, Barça are looking to offer Coutinho in exchange for Aubameyang.
The Brazilian, who will also be completing four years at Barcelona in January, has been out of favour at the club for quite some time now and is not seen as a part of manager Xavi’s plans. Furthermore, given the massive wages that he earns, the Catalan heavyweights are eager to get him off their books at the earliest.
Recent reports had indicated that Arsenal are among the clubs interested in securing Coutinho’s services and are working on a deal to sign the former Liverpool playmaker in January. A move for the Brazilian at the moment does not make much sense for the Gunners, with Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard performing admirably.
Furthermore, he does not fit the profile of players that the north Londoners have been targeting of late either. Nevertheless, Barcelona are ready to explore the possibility of swapping Coutinho for Aubameyang next month. However, the chances of such a deal going through appear to be quite slim as things stand.
