Saudi Arabian giants to rival Barcelona for Arsenal outcast: Fabrizio Romano

Xavi has prepared a very clear wishlist of reinforcements he needs for Barcelona in the winter in order to challenge for the top four and the Europa League. Failing to qualify for the Champions League next season, through one of the two routes, could have devastating impacts on Barça’s long-term goals.

On top of that wishlist is the demand for a striker. The 42-year-old manager had name-checked a certain Alvaro Morata as his plan A in that position, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the backup. After failing to sign the former, the latter has been edging closer to the move.

However, Barcelona are faced with two obstacles en route his signing despite reportedly reaching a six-month agreement. One of them, as widely discussed by no, is Ousmane Dembele and his departure.

The other, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, will be Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, who have joined the race for Aubameyang’s signature.

The journalist does claim that the Arsenal striker prefers a move within Europe, and Al Nassr will have time till midnight (GMT) of the 31st to push the signing over the line.

At the end of the day, any transfer made by Barcelona in the winter will come down to Dembele.

If the winger, who has been linked to Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and even PSG, decides to leave the Catalans, it will ease up space in the wage bill and shirt numbers, who can then register new players.