Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was stripped of the Arsenal captaincy last month
(Picture: Getty Images)Barcelona are edging closer to a loan move for Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before Monday’s transfer deadline.
The formerly cash-strapped LaLiga giants are keen to keep rebuilding their squad under iconic boss Xavi and have made Aubameyang a key target after completing a loan deal for Wolves winger Adama Traore and bringing in Ferran Torres from Manchester City earlier in the window.
They have also been linked with the likes of former Chelsea frontman Alvaro Morata in their hunt for a new striker that comes after Sergio Aguero was forced to retire in December due to a heart condition, but any further arrivals were said to hinge on being able to offload Ousmane Dembele following his refusal to sign a new contract.
Aubameyang's Arsenal future has been subject to significant doubt since he was stripped of the captaincy by manager Mikel Arteta last month following his latest disciplinary breach.
He has not played since the 2-1 defeat by Everton at Goodison Park on December 6 and has been training away from the first-team squad, not selected for Arsenal's current warm-weather training camp in Dubai during the Premier League winter break.
Aubameyang joined up with the Gabon squad earlier this month for the delayed Africa Cup of Nations, but did not feature after testing positive for Covid-19 upon arrival in Cameroon.
The 32-year-old was sent home early from the tournament due to medical issues after Gabon said he had been diagnosed with "cardiac lesions", but he insisted he was "completely healthy" and that his "heart is absolutely fine" after returning to London for additional checks.
Juventus have also previously made an approach for Aubameyang despite beating Arsenal to the signing of Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina last week.
Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr were reported to have made a final offer for his services on Saturday, only to later withdraw their interest.
