BARCELONA and Juventus have both made loan transfer offers for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to reports.
The former Arsenal captain has been exiled by Mikel Arteta following his latest disciplinary issue – but that has not put off the two giant clubs.
His last appearance was as a late substitute at Everton on December 6.
After returning from the Africa Cup of Nations early after a heart scare, Aubameyang has trained alone – but now may have got a lifeline.
According to The Athletic, the two European powerhouses have submitted formal approaches to sign the 32-year-old until the end of the season.
The January transfer window closes for Barca in Spain at 11pm UK time on Monday night.
For Juve in Italy, it is four hours earlier at 7pm UK time.
Aubameyang looks set to remain frozen out in North London as they look to ship him out with 18 months left to run on his current contract.
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There was a loan bid from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal last week.
But it is understood the Gabon international would prefer to stay competing at the top level in Europe – as Paris Saint-Germain considered an offer.
Barcelona and Juventus certainly fit the bill for Auba.
They both want reinforcements in attack, especially after the Old Lady lost Federico Chiesa for the remainder of the campaign through a cruel ACL injury.
Alvaro Morata’s future could play a significant role in where Aubameyang ends up this week, though.
If he stays on loan at Juventus, the Nou Camp would be the more likely destination.
But if the ex-Chelsea striker gets recalled by Atletico Madrid and joins Barcelona, Auba may go to Juventus.
That is even if they finalise their transfer for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, with Max Allegri wanting to use both new signings alongside Paulo Dybala in attack.
The big issue to finalise a deal, though, could be Aubameyang’s wages.
He earns a staggering £350,000 per week at the Emirates – so any club wanting to take him would either need to cover some of that or pay the Gunners a loan fee.
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Arsenal’s other two strikers Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are both struggling for goals and out of contract at the end of this season.
So Arteta is likely to want a guaranteed arrival, such as Napoli ace Victor Osimhen, before allowing Aubameyang to leave.
The ex-Borussia Dortmund star has seven goals in 15 appearances this season, taking his overall Arsenal tally to 92 in 163.
