Barcelona were reportedly closing in on the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on Monday night, after Arsenal agreed to let their former captain leave for free.
Aubameyang will join Barca on an initial six-month deal, according to reports in the Spanish press, with an option to extend by a further year.
The signing did not have to be announced before the transfer window closed on Monday, as Aubameyang is reportedly a free agent.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signs for Barcelona on a free transfer from Arsenal, reports @Matt_Law_DT ?? pic.twitter.com/hFtEn8dDAB
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 31, 2022
He had earlier surprised Barcelona by travelling to the city, where his father owns a house, and negotiations appeared to have broken down over the striker's salary.
Barca continue to be hampered by enormous debts, which amount to more than a billion euros.
The club were also unsuccessful in trying to offload Ousmane Dembele, who can now leave for free when his contract expires in the summer.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang contracts have been signed and then also on Arsenal side to terminate current deal. ?? #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 1, 2022
Official in the morning. ? pic.twitter.com/vrk9zcoXS3
But even with Dembele staying, the Aubameyang deal was revived hours later, as Arsenal agreed to let their former captain leave on a free transfer, allowing the Premier League club to shift the entirety of the player's salary.
Aubameyang, meanwhile, is believed to have taken a significant cut on his Arsenal wage, which started at around 300,000 euros ($337,000) a week, to secure his move to Camp Nou.
Xavi Hernandez will hope Aubameyang's arrival can prove a pivotal moment in Barcelona's fight to finish in La Liga's top four.
They sit fifth, a point behind Atletico Madrid, who they play at home on Sunday, when Aubameyang could make his debut.
31 January 2018: Arsenal sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for a then-club-record £56m fee
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 1, 2022
◉ 163 games
◉ 92 goals
◉ 20 assists
◉ 2 trophies
◉ 1 Golden Boot
31 January 2022: Barcelona sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal on a free transfer
? pic.twitter.com/rYoZxqcBIe
