Barcelona president Juan Laporta has admitted that he still hopes to sign Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before tonight's transfer deadline.
Aubameyang was stripped of the club's captaincy last month following a disciplinary breach and football.london reported over the festive period that the Gunners were open to offers for the veteran frontman.
Saudi side Al-Nassr attempted to prise the Gabon international away from the north Londoners but football.london understands that the player would prefer a move to a European club, with Juventus and Barcelona both said to be interested.
Some reports have since suggested that talks have broken down due to the 32-year-old's huge wages at the Emirates Stadium but Spanish transfer guru has claimed that he will still undergo a medical with the La Liga side this evening.
Now, the aforementioned Laporta has claimed that he is confident in signing Aubameyang before the window slams shut.
“We would like to incorporate Aubameyang. It is very complicated but there is hope,” he told Mundo Deportivo, via The Evening Standard.
Laporta added: “We’ve still options open. We’re working on it - and we will until the last minute.”
"It seems that we will pull it off [Aubameyang deal]."
Barcelona boss Xavi has previously delivered his verdict on the exiled Arsenal star, stating that he doesn't think Aubameyang's talents are suited to the La Liga club's style of play.
"Mane and Aubemayang can kill you in open space. But Barcelona need players who know how to move in small spaces," the Blaugrana icon said back in 2020.
"I am thinking about a player who would adapt to Barcelona and it’s not easy to find one. Samuel Eto'o was perfect as is Luis Suarez right now."
