According to reports, ‘talks have broken down’ between Arsenal and Barcelona over the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The forward has not played for Arsenal since the start of December. It later emerged that he had been stripped of the captain’s armband. This came as a result of a disciplinary breach.
Aubameyang was due to feature for Gabon at this month’s African Cup of Nations but he returned to England after testing positive for Covid-19.
Arsenal remain all process and no plan on transfer deadline day
The 32-year-old has been linked with Juventus and Newcastle in recent weeks but Barcelona appeared set to sign him.
He travelled to Spain on Monday ahead of this move, which is said to have surprised Arsenal.
David Ornstein of The Athletic has now revealed that talks between Arsenal and Barcelona have ‘broken down’.
The clubs reportedly had a ‘disagreement’ over the ‘salary coverage’ for Aubameyang’s six-month loan.
A move to Barcelona was the player’s ‘preferred option’ but ‘barring a late change in Barcelona’s financial proposal’, the deal is off.
EXCLUSIVE: Barcelona / Arsenal talks for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang loan have broken down over salary. 32yo returning to London from what’s said to have been a family trip to Spanish city. Unless #FCBarcelona find major money it’s off @TheAthleticUK #AFC https://t.co/eRNFZ74LsC
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 31, 2022
Ray Parlour was speaking last week about Aubameyang’s situation at Arsenal. The Gunners legend has encouraged his former team to give the striker another chance:
“Of course they need him. But you’ve also got to show your dominance as a manager and say you can’t be doing stuff – especially when you have a young team.
“As a captain you’ve got to set a good example, which is very important.
“I’d look up to Tony Adams back in the day and he set the example – and not by going to the pub by the way – but by being on time and making sure when you wear that shirt you play for the team.
“Stuff like that you learn as you go along.
“But the young players will look at that and see he’s turning up late and not doing this and will be thinking; ‘Can we do that as well?’
“It’s not a good look for Arsenal Football Club.
“Arteta’s come down strong on him and now it’s all about the reaction, for me. I’d give him another chance because he’s that good and can score you goals.”
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