January's Most Wanted: Rebel Aubameyang to Barcelona or Newcastle?

Martin Macdonald
Martin Macdonald
  • 5 Jan 2022 15:53 GMT
  • 3 min read
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang playing for Arsenal in a Premier League game against Burnley in the 2021-22 season.
© ProShots

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is on the cusp of leaving Arsenal after he was stripped of the captaincy by Mikel Arteta.

Following a disciplinary issue, believed to be involving punctuality, Aubamyeng had the captaincy taken off him and has not been involved in an Arsenal matchday squad since.

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With the Gunners on an impressive run of form, albeit until their defeat against Manchester City, Arteta reportedly sees no need for the forward to return to the fold, meaning that the club could look to sell him in the January transfer window.

Aubameyang was linked with a move away even before the situation that has saw him exiled from the squad.

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What is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's transfer status?

According to numerous reports, Arsenal are now desperate to offload Aubameyang, not only due to his disciplinary problems, but due to the fact it would allow them to free up his exorbitant wages.

He has a contract at the Emirates until 2023 and the club will be keen to avoid a similar situation to that of Mesut Ozil, who stayed for an extended period on massive wages despite not featuring for the first team.

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When does Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's contract expire?

Aubameyang's contract expired in June of 2023.

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What clubs are interested in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang?

Before he was stripped of the captaincy, Aubameyang was lined with a move to Barcelona, with head coach Xavi desperate for reinforcements in the final third.

Barca have already signed Ferran Torres but are on the lookout for a centre-forward, too, and could look to bring Aubameyang in on loan. A permanent deal involving the Blaugrana is unlikely at this point.

Juventus have also been mentioned as a possible destination as the Bianconeri are also crying out for more attackers. Aubameyang's future could be intrinsically linked to that of Alvaro Morata, as he could leave for Barca which would create an even bigger need for the Gabon international to go to Juve.

Aubameyang’s Europa League attitude criticised: ‘He’s got to turn up’
© ProShots

The latest club to register their interest is Newcastle, who will allegedly look to bring in not only Aubameyang from Arsenal, but Rob Holding, Mohamed Elneny and Eddie Nketiah too.

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Could Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leave in January?

It is looking increasingly likely that Aubameyang will leave in January, and if it is on loan Arsenal would allegedly be willing to pay part of his wages just to get him to leave.

That could open up some more possible destinations.

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Could Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leave in the summer?

It all depends if Aubemyang is happy to sit and collect his wage or whether he wants to play football.

How old is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang?

Aubameyang was born on 18 June 1989. He is 32.

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