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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang spotted at Barcelona airport ahead of loan move

Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is close to sealing his loan move to Barcelona, reputed journalist Gerard Romero reports.

The Gabon international fell out-of-favour under manager Mikel Arteta earlier last month following a disciplinary breach.

He has since been sidelined from first-team duties, and was recently excluded from the squad for the winter training camp in Dubai.

Ahead of deadline day, it was confirmed that talks were underway between Barcelona and Arsenal over a proposed loan deal.

It now appears he is on the verge of joining them, having been spotted at the Barcelona airport.

Our view:

Aubameyang was axed for six straight games after his disciplinary breach in early December. It was suggested that his situation could be assessed after the African Cup of Nations.

He arrived early after suffering from ‘heart lesions’ due to coronavirus. With the Gunners struggling to find a new striker, it was suggested that he could be reintegrated into Arteta’s plans.

However, that has not been the case. The north London giants are happy to loan him out to the Blaugrana for the season. The Spanish outfit are likely to cover the majority of his £350,000-a-week wages.

The 32-year-old will enter the final year of his contract this summer. Judging by the hierarchy’s recent stance on him, he may have played his final game for the club and could be sold on his return.

Aubameyang could secure a permanent move to the Blaugrana if he makes a significant impact.

Meanwhile, his departure could trigger the Gunners’ bid to sign a new marksman before the 11 pm deadline. Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak and Espanyol’s Raul de Tomas have been recently linked.

Both players may not be available unless their release clauses are triggered. Isak appears the prime target for the Gunners on deadline day, but they must pay a fee of around €90 million to sign him.

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