FC Barcelona keen to sign Aubameyang as Suarez's replacement: Report

LaLiga champions FC Barcelona have apparently earmarked new Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as their next striker to replace the ageing Luis Suarez, according to latest British media reports. They do believe they have a real chance of luring him away from North London especially if the Gunners fail to qualify for the Champions League. Although, it remains to be seen if Arsenal will go ahead with the transfer in January after an under-par performance in the Premier League this season.

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Barcelona to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang?

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 30, has not yet decided to renew his contract with Arsenal since joining in January 2018. Talks are believed to be ongoing over a new contract but nothing is finalised and his current contract expires in 18 months' time. And it is even claimed that Aubameyang has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave North London if they fail to qualify to the Champions League.

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That has opened the door for FC Barcelona, with Spanish media reports claiming that they are genuinely looking at Aubameyang as a replacement for Luis Suarez. Because of his current contract situation, the LaLiga club believe they can sign Aubameyang without having to break the bank, who would be free to leave for nothing in the summer of 2021. Suarez is 32 now and hampered by a current calf injury. The club understands they will be needing to dive in the transfer market sooner than later to replace the Uruguayan

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer trouble

The Gabon striker has been in great form since moving to North London, having scored 50 goals in 78 appearances for the Gunners. This season, he has been lethal as well in front of goal for the Gunners and leads their scoring charts with eight goals in 11 Premier League appearances.

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After losing Aaron Ramsey on a free and swapping Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal bosses are keen to avoid another similar predicament. However, Arsenal have so far struggled to tie their new club captain Aubameyang down to a new contract. If both Aubameyang and fellow strike partner Alexandre Lacazette do not agree to new contracts before the summer, Arsenal will have no choice but to consider cashing in while they still hold value.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and others too

Many Arsenal players are reportedly wary of committing their futures to the club while there is so much uncertainty surrounding manager Unai Emery’s future, with senior players harbouring a number of doubts about the Spaniard. Emery has been under immense pressure lately with his side failing to win any of their last four games. He apparently will be fighting for his future when Arsenal play Leicester City on Saturday. Arsenal bosses are said to be looking at Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers as his replacement.

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