Exiled former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is reportedly willing to 'play for free' if it means a move to Barcelona.
The 32-year-old has been cast aside by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta following a disciplinary breach in early December and has not been seen in an Arsenal shirt since the humiliating 2-1 defeat by Everton.
Arteta wants rid of the Gabon international and Aubameyang is keen on calling time on his Arsenal career.
Now he is reportedly willing to take a drastic pay-cut to do so.
Barcelona have been aware of Aubameyang's desire to leave all window, but given the precarious financial situation the Blaugrana find themselves in, plus focusing on Ferran Torres and Adama Traore, they have waited to make their move.
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Additionally, it was widely expected that Aubameyang would be unable to join Xavi's side unless his former Borussia Dortmund teammate Ousmane Dembele departs before the close of deadline day to make room on the wage bill.
Howver, Catalan newspaper Sport suggests that given Aubameyang's desperation to leave Arsenal means he is unlikely to demand anywhere near the £350k-a-weekmwages he is currently on in north London, he could still be given the green light - regardless of whether contract rebel Dembele moves or not.
Dembele is proving particularly difficult for Barcelona to move on this month despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain as well as a number of Premier League clubs.
PSG are believed to have agreed terms over a deal to take him to the Parc des Princes, but are willing to wait until he's a free transfer in the summer, with Barcelona wanting a transfer fee in excess of £15million to let him leave today.
Aubameyang was the subject of interest from two Saudi clubs in Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, both of whom were willing to cover the entirety of his salary.
Despite the fact he wouldn't be put out financially, Aubameyang has rejected both offers and would rather remain in Europe to play at the highest level.
If Aubameyang's switch to Barcelona goes through before midnight on Monday, it could leave Arsenal desperately short in an attacking sense with just two recognised strikers left at the club.
