Barcelona president talks on Aubameyang transfer: “He knows that we want him, I’m optimistic”

The transfer deadline day came with much hopes for Barcelona as talks about a move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were rife. At the same time, the club also looked primed to offload contract rebel Ousmane Dembele, with PSG believed to be interested.

However, things have not panned out as developed for the Catalan giants. A move for Aubameyang seems to have collapsed due to the two parties being unable to come to an agreement over the financial aspects of the deal.

As for Dembele, talks of an exit have gone quiet in recent hours and unless something drastic happens late in the night, it seems like he could be staying put at Camp Nou for the remainder of the season.

Despite the situation being as it is, Barça president Joan Laporta is still positive that solutions can be found late on the deadline day with regard to both Dembele and Aubameyang.

Speaking to COPE’s Quique Iglesias (h/t Fabrizio Romano), the Barcelona supremo said: “We’ve still options open. We’re working on it – and we will until the last minute.”

Sporting director Mateu Alemany has been spotted glued to the phone at the club offices, trying to materialise the signings.

In another interview with Mundo Deportivo, Laporta expressed further hope about signing Aubameyang, saying: “We would like to incorporate Aubameyang. It is very complicated but there is hope. Aubameyang must solve his problems with Arsenal and create the right conditions.”

However, the president also said that the player must take the necessary steps. “Aubameyang must solve his problems with Arsenal and create the right conditions,” Laporta added.

He continued: “Aubameyang knows that we want him in Barcelona, ​​​​he is now resolving his situation with Arsenal. I’m optimistic!”

A new centre-forward has been high on the agenda for manager Xavi Hernandez and following their failed pursuit of Alvaro Morata, the Blaugrana had shifted their focus to Aubameyang.

However, as things stand, a move for the 32-year-old Arsenal striker seems off, leaving Barcelona scrambling in the final hours of the window to find another No. 9.

There is some hope with regard to Dembele’s exit, though, as Chelsea are believed to have launched a late swoop for the French winger. Whether a move materialises remains to be seen.