Arsenal outcast ‘chosen’ as Barcelona ‘discard’ ex-Chelsea striker
Barcelona have ‘chosen’ to sign Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this month as they have ‘discarded’ their interest in Alvaro Morata, according to reports.
The forward is out of favour at Arsenal as he has not played since the start of December. It later emerged that the player had been stripped of the captain’s armband as a result of a disciplinary issue.
Aubameyang travelled to Cameroon to feature for Gabon at the African Cup of Nations. His tournament was cut short though as he returned home after testing positive for Covid-19.
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It was reported earlier this week that Barcelona and Juventus had made ‘loan approaches’ for the Arsenal forward.
The La Liga giants have also been linked with Morata. Spanish outlet Sport (via Sport Witness) are now reporting that they have ‘discarded’ their interest in the ex-Chelsea striker.
Instead, they have ‘decided to advance’ their pursuit of Aubameyang as he is the ‘chosen one’ for new Barcelona boss Xavi.
The report adds that Barcelona’s ability to sign Aubameyang is dependent on Ousmane Dembele’s future.
The Man Utd linked winger is out of contract in the summer and he has been asked by Barcelona to leave this month.
Elsewhere, Ray Parlour has called for Arsenal to give Aubameyang another chance:
“Of course they need him. But you’ve also got to show your dominance as a manager and say you can’t be doing stuff. Especially when you have a young team.
“As a captain you’ve got to set a good example, which is very important.
“I’d look up to Tony Adams back in the day and he set the example – and not by going to the pub by the way – but by being on time and making sure when you wear that shirt you play for the team.
“Stuff like that you learn as you go along.
“But the young players will look at that and see he’s turning up late and not doing this and will be thinking; ‘Can we do that as well?’
“It’s not a good look for Arsenal Football Club.
“Arteta’s come down strong on him and now it’s all about the reaction, for me. I’d give him another chance because he’s that good and can score you goals.”
