Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is closing in on a free transfer to Barcelona.
Aubameyang is poised to sign a six-month deal at Barcelona, with the option for an additional year, to finalise his Arsenal exit.
The striker flew to Spain on Monday morning to seal what was initially expected to be a loan switch to the Nou Camp, but his £350,000-a-week contract proved to be a stumbling block.
Now, though, Aubameyang is closing in on a permanent move to Barcelona after a breakthrough in talks.
Arsenal are expected to make a healthy saving on Aubameyang’s wages, which explains why they have allowed him to leave on free transfer with 18 months still left on his contract.
The Gabon international has not played for the Gunners since December and he has since been stripped of the captaincy.
Aubameyang was also left out of the club’s mid-season trip to Dubai and he instead stayed in London to train alone.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia had shown an interest in signing him, but he was keen to play in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Juventus had also shown an interest in Aubameyang, but Barcelona have firmed up their approach and are now set to sign him.
