Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 'celebrates' Barcelona transfer before official confirmation

Posted Tuesday, February 01, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been snapped celebrating his deadline day transfer to Barcelona after leaving Arsenal following five-and-a-half seasons at the Emirates

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been pictured appearing to celebrate his move to Barcelona.

The 32-year-old joined the Catalan giants on a free transfer from Arsenal on deadline day.

Arsenal became willing to allow the forward to leave following a disciplinary breach in December.

Aubameyang has not played for the Gunners since the breach which occurred before a Premier League win over Southampton.

The forward had been linked with a host of clubs throughout the January transfer window, including Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal and Serie A giants Juventus.

But it was Barcelona who showed the most concrete interest, and they moved for the Gabon international on deadline day.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 'celebrates' Barcelona transfer before official confirmation
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been pictured celebrating his move to Barcelona

Aubameyang had initially been expected to join Barcelona on loan with a view to a permanent move.

But a deal appeared to hit the buffers over a disagreement about the star's £350,000-a-week wages

That didn't deter the former Borussia Dortmund star, who unexpectedly flew to Barcelona's El Prat airport on deadline day, catching both clubs off guard.

As reports emerged that a deal had collapsed, developments then suggested Aubameyang would join the Catalan giants on a permanent deal instead.

That didn't deter the former Borussia Dortmund star, who unexpectedly flew to Barcelona's El Prat airport on deadline day, catching both clubs off guard.

As reports emerged that a deal had collapsed, developments then suggested Aubameyang would join the Catalan giants on a permanent deal instead.

The striker left Arsenal on a free transfer

Back then, he revealed his desire to become an "Arsenal legend" - an aim that has not materialised in the time since.

His exit leaves Mikel Arteta with a real lack of depth up front.

Although Aubameyang had only scored four Premier League goals before his disciplinary breach in December, he did manage 92 overall in all competitions in five-and-a-half seasons at the Emirates.

It means the Gunners will finish the season and compete for a Champions League spot with just two recognised strikers in Eddie Nketiah and Alex Lacazette, both of whom are out of contract in the summer