Two European giants in battle to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on loan

Callum Boyle

These two love a random Premier League striker on loan

Two European heavyweights are in contention to sign Arsenal outcast Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after making an approach to sign the forward on loan.

The Athletic have reported that both Barcelona and Juventus have enquired about bringing the Gabon international to bolster their ranks, with talks underway.

Mikel Arteta has excluded Aubameyang from his plans, recently stripping him of the club captaincy. Subsequently, Aubameyang hasn’t traveled with the Gunners to their warm weather training camp in Dubai after he returned late from a sanctioned trip to France.

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Barcelona + Juventus make official approaches to sign Aubameyang on loan until summer. Unclear what Arsenal will do – talks ongoing with both. If #AFC grant exit, destination likely to be influenced by Morata @TheAthleticUK #FCBarcelona #Juve https://t.co/tXjBHGdLb3

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 28, 2022

Aubameyang was recently the subject of a bid from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, however the 32-year-old has stated his desire to continue playing at the highest level and a move to either Barça or Juve will hinge on the future of Alvaro Morata.

The Spaniard is currently on loan at the Bianconeri from Atletico Madrid, but is rumoured to be a target for Barcelona. Should Morata make the move to the Catalan side, it could encourage Juventus to make a move for Aubameyang.

However if the former Chelsea forward stays in Italy, Barça may be inclined to try and bring Aubameyang to the Nou Camp.

Both clubs have a long-standing interest in the forward, but with Barcelona’s financial woes and Juventus close to completing a move to sign Dušan Vlahović from Fiorentina – it begs the question if either side need, or, can afford him.

Wages may prove to be a stumbling block, with Aubameyang estimated to be earning in the region of £300,000 a week, with any move likely to see Arsenal demanding a large percentage or full amount of his salary paid.

Additionally, the lack of striking options at Arsenal may also force them to reconsider allowing Aubameyang to leave unless they are able to find a replacement.

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