Barcelona are eager to bring in a new striker this summer. Following the injury to Luis Suárez, Barca made a move to sign a replacement in January. They made a move for Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. No deal materialized as the Gunners captain remained with his club.
Suárez was forced to undergo surgery after suffering a knee injury and is not expected to return until April at the earliest.
Lionel Messi started up front in Quique Setien’s first game in charge, but club officials fear that they do not have enough cover behind Messi and Antoine Griezmann. As a result, they want a new high-profile striker, and Mundo Deportivo claims Aubameyang is at the top of their wish list.
Another hamstring season ending injury suffered by Dembele in February was another big blow for the club. Barca were given a special permission to sign a striker out of the transfer window. They signed Martin Braithwaite from Laganes. A deal that is considered to be a quick fix for the club’s strikers’ problem.
Director of football Eric Abidal has been working tirelessly to identify potential signings next season. They were looking for a long-term replacement for Suárez even before his injury, but they have been forced to accelerate things.
Abidal is said to have been most impressed with Aubameyang, who has fired 67 goals in 91 appearances for a struggling Arsenal side since he made the move from Borussia Dortmund.
Aubameyang will be out of contract at the end of next season. The player has told the club that he will not sign a new deal. And Arsenal are ready to make a decision on the player.
Alongside Barca, Madrid have also made an enquiry about the player. The Classico giants are following the player’s contract situation with keen interest.