Barcelona are looking to bring in a new No 9 and Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martínez is their priority target.
On the front page of today’s edition of Sport, it’s claimed Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is an ‘affordable option’ for the La Liga winners.
If a move for the Argentine gets complicated, the Blaugrana will turn their attention to the Gunners forward, who is viewed as an alternative.
Barca looked at the Gabon international in January following an injury to Luis Suárez. It’s stated they held talks with the ex-Borussia Dormtund man and he even gave his ‘OK’ to make a switch to the Camp Nou. However, Mikel Arteta’s side decided against letting him leave.
According to the latest report, Aubameyang wants to sign for Barca and they have ‘controlled’ his case since January. In addition to this, he is delighted with the possibility of playing for the Spanish champions.
The main problem for any potential transfer is Martínez. Barcelona still prefer the Inter attacker over Aubameyang, mainly due to his age. However, the Arsenal player’s asking price is thought to be lower, which is why he still remains a candidate for the summer.
Aubameyang’s contract at the Emirates expires in 2021 and Sport believe his valuation is around €65m. Due to the duration left on the current deal, the report states, he could leave Arsenal for a lower fee.
Barca have been in constant touch with Aubameyang’s environment in recent months to keep the operation alive, although he is ‘beginning to be in a hurry to know his destiny.’ Interestingly, the Arsenal frontman could replace Martínez at Inter, if the latter leaves the San Siro.
Another ‘Confidencial’ report from Sport state part of Aubameyang’s closest family live in a coastal area very close to Barcelona. It was here the first contacts between two parties took place in January and that’s when he made it known to Camp Nou leaders that he will be delighted to join them.
Barcelona have made it clear to Aubameyang that they like him a lot, but he isn’t the main target for next season.
