Arsenal: Barcelona interest in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang positive

Barcelona confirmed their interest in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and may return for the Arsenal striker in the summer. While that may seem problematic, here is why it is positive for the Gunners.

In the near future, Arsenal have to make a decision on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He is now 30 — and will turn 31 in the summer. He has entered the final 18 months of his contract and is stalling on signing an extension amid concerns of another Champions League-less season.

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Whether the Gunners choose to keep Aubameyang into his final year, attempt to agree to a contract extension, or admit that they must sell amid financial pressures, the need to replenish an ageing attacking unit, and a reluctance to let him walk out the door for nothing, they must make the decision before this summer — with Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, we have seen what happens when this decision is delayed into the final year of the contract.

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With this looming choice hanging over the club and Aubameyang, Barcelona attempted to make an audacious swoop for the centre-forward after Luis Suarez suffered a right knee injury that he underwent surgery for in mid-January. The ambitious approach was rebutted, forcefully, but there is a belief that Barcelona might be back in the summer.

In fact, this week Sporting Director Eric Abidal spoke to Catalan newspaper Sport and conceded that Barcelona would be in the market for a striker:

"“It is logical that in summer a ‘nine’ will come. It is a necessity. We know that Suarez will come back strong, but you have to bring a top player in the summer. We do not know if it will be young or experienced. We only look at the talent and adaptation they may have. We must think that some top players have come and have not adapted well.”"

He was later pushed on Aubameyang specifically:

"“I know him. I do not have much to do beyond sports. He has a profile that has depth. He is important, and in his team he is decisive. It is good to bring this profile of player who can be in the market and can help you. We’ll see what will happen.”"

Now, whether this interest materialises and Barcelona do make a genuine to push to sign Aubameyang in the summer remains to be seen. But while it is natural to fear one of the most prestigious teams in the world chasing your best player, Arsenal would be wise to welcome to interest.

It might well be true that selling Aubameyang is Arsenal’s best solution to the looming impasse. The money raised could be reinvested in other areas of the squad and this is the last chance they will be able to demand a significant fee for the striker. But that is only true if they can drive up his price, and interest from Barcelona will certainly do that. The ideal scenario is a bidding war between two or three teams.

Losing Aubameyang does not have to be catastrophic. But to be a productive team-building move, it does have to be managed correctly, and getting the highest price possible is critical to that. Barcelona’s interest, then, is positive.