Report: Barcelona director in London for Aubameyang talks with Arsenal

By Jordan Harris

Barcelona have sent a director to London to try and thrash out a loan deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with the Sunday People (30/1; page 57) reporting that they are open to proposing a £30 million option to buy the Arsenal striker.

Time is running out for the Gunners to offload Aubameyang in the January transfer window. But Barca look set to make one final push to bring the Gabon international to the Nou Camp.

The Sunday People (30/1; page 57) reports that Xavi wants the 32-year-old as he looks to sign a new striker. Meanwhile, Aubameyang is keen on the move to the Catalan giants.

And Barcelona have now stepped up their pursuit. The report claims that the club have sent a director to London to try and agree terms with Arsenal over a loan deal.

The Sunday People suggests that a loan until the end of the season suits all parties. But while Arsenal want a £41.5 million option included, Barcelona are looking to potentially pay around £30 million for Aubameyang.

Arsenal cannot afford to let Aubameyang talks with Barcelona fall through over future fee

It is extremely promising for Arsenal that Barcelona are open to such a deal for Aubameyang. Of course, an option to buy is not necessarily ideal. But it does leave the door open to a permanent exit.

Arteta has previously labelled Aubameyang a ‘phenomenal‘ player. And Arsenal do not have the depth to allow another striker to leave without a new signing coming in.

But many Arsenal fans would be delighted with anything like £30 million for Aubameyang right now. With his wages also off the books, that would give the Gunners’ transfer kitty a huge boost.

Obviously, Arsenal may as well see if they can get Barcelona to move closer towards their valuation for Aubameyang. But the Gunners cannot allow talks to break down over the possible future fee.