It’s all very confusing
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s proposed move to Barcelona appears to be back after a series of conflicting reports, initially claiming the move had collapsed, then that it was back on, and then that it was in fact not happening.
Following earlier reports from The Athletic that the striker – who had been in Spain anticipating a deal to be completed, would no longer move to the Camp Nou, reports have emerged the deal will actually take place.
James Olley of ESPN reported on Monday evening that the former Gunners’ captain’s “Arsenal career is over” and that a free transfer on a permanent deal was expected to go through.
Understanding is Barcelona will sign Aubameyang from Arsenal on a free transfer. Permanent deal. His Arsenal career is over.
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) January 31, 2022
Aubameyang himself admitted that he would be willing to take ‘financial sacrifices’ in order to complete a move to Barça – and to join them most people would have to – but now looks destined to remain with the Gunners until the end of the season.
However, Sky Sports reported that despite the Gabon international’s desire to move away from the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal were ‘surprised’ to hear that Aubameyang was in Spain, having not yet agreed a deal. It is possible he literally went full Peter Odemwingie.
There were, however, reports in Spain claiming that the deal wasn’t off, and that Aubameyang was on his way to a hospital in Barcelona where he would undergo a medical ahead of completing a loan move until the end of the season.
BUT THEN THERE WAS ANOTHER TWIST.
Gerard Romero, a well connected Spanish football journalist then revealed that Barcelona were not in fact waiting for Aubameyang at the hospital, but a different player they hope to sign before the end of the window.
Now, we have this latest twist. Will the deal actually happen? Only time will tell.
📺 DIRECTO @JijantesFC
💣En el Hospital de Barcelona NO esperan a AUBAMEYANG, tienen programada otra revisión con OTRO jugador https://t.co/vrsj4XPszj
— Gerard Romero (@gerardromero) January 31, 2022
Aubameyang has been frozen out by manager Mikel Arteta at Arsenal and hasn’t featured for the first-team since their game against Everton in December.
The 32-year-old was also stripped of the captaincy at the club after a disciplinary breach related to a family trip – with Arsenal now keen to offload him.
Related links:
- Dele Alli close to agreeing personal terms with Everton
- Aaron Ramsey set to join Rangers on six-month loan
- Bruno Guimarães trolls Arsenal with Newcastle announcement video
