Aubameyang ‘second choice’ for Barcelona and Inter this summer

Barcelona are struggling to secure the transfer of Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan and could be about to switch their focus to Arsenal’s talisman, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, according to Gianluca di Marzio of Sky Sports Italy. 

Lautaro Martinez has a £100 million buyout clause. Inter Milan had made it clear earlier this year that they were looking for that amount or a sum in that region to sign off on his transfer and continue to maintain that position. Barcelona are currently struggling to come up with the required amount to secure Lautaro’s move to the Camp Nou. In addition to their existing financial challenges, they are grappling with the reality of their financial situation in the wake of the global pandemic. To make matters worse, it is possible that La Liga will introduce a new rule this summer whereby only a part of the proceeds from player sales can be spent on new signings.

In an interview before Inter Milan’s match against Sampdoria yesterday, Inter Milan director Beppe Marotta said:

“Lautaro is wanted by many but we’re optimistic about him staying.”

If Barcelona fail in their attempt to sign Lautaro from Inter Milan, they will look to sign Pierre Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal and have already made contact with the player. The Gabon international has one year remaining on his contract and is sure to cost far less than the Inter Milan striker. 

In the event that Barcelona do manage to get the Lautaro deal over the line, Aubameyang is one of the players Inter will look to replace him with. 

Irrespective of where Lautaro Martinez is playing his football next season, it looks like Barcelona and/or Inter Milan will play a role in the transfer saga of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang.