Barcelona closing in on loan capture of Arsenal striker, deal not dependent on Dembele

Over the last week, Ousmane Dembele has made the news for Barcelona as the variable for the club in the winter transfer window. The Frenchman has refused to renew his contract with the club, and rumours said that Barça would not be able to sign any players if he were to stay.

One player who has been or would have been, caught in the friendly fire is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Barcelona have reportedly agreed on a six-month loan deal with him, but the transfer has not gone through yet.

Arsenal correspondent David Ornstein has provided an update on the situation, saying that the Blaugranes are moving closer to the signing. The only obstacle in their path is the striker’s massive salary, which cannot be accommodated by Barça.

He also says that reports claiming that Dembele’s decision could influence the transfer are ‘wide of the mark’.

With around 30 hours remaining before the transfer window shuts down, Barcelona will need to move fast, for, without a striker, their fate in La Liga hangs in the balance.