Barcelona interested in swapping winger for Arsenal striker in the winter

The story of Ousmane Dembele at Barcelona twisted dramatically over the last few weeks, one that not many would have seen coming.

After the club has supported the player through his recurrent injuries for years, the Frenchman seems set to leave on a free deal without renewing his contract. The player has not responded to the club’s ultimatum, and it appears to be understood that he will not be a Barcelona player come next season.

The ideal scenario for the Catalans would be to sell the player in the January transfer window to recuperate at least a fraction of the investment they made for the forward.

According to The Independent, some mediators are proposing that the player should be included in a swap deal to get the most of his departure.

The suggested option is that of a transfer that would see Dembele move to Arsenal with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang arriving at Barcelona.

Aubameyang is no stranger to being linked with the Blaugranas, for his move to Camp Nou has been speculated by media in every window. However, a swap deal involving the Arsenal forward would truly kill two birds with one stone.

Barcelona’s desperate need for a number nine cannot be understated. With the source of goals drying up, Xavi’s side needs a target man to bury the chances.

Dembele played alongside Auba under Thomas Tuchel, and the duo formed quite a partnership in the attack, coming oh-so-close to toppling Bayern Munich off the Bundesliga title.

Further, it would be a much-needed outlet for Aubameyang, who has been under heavy scrutiny for not being disciplined enough. The Gabonese was stripped off captaincy by Mikel Arteta, and has not featured in the last two games.

The deal is still in very rudimentary stages and is still just a suggestion, though. Barcelona will need to thoroughly assess the situation and then decide if they want a player as ill-disciplined as Aubameyang.