Barcelona has confirmed the signing of Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a free transfer from Arsenal. The 32-year-old former Borussia Dortmund striker signed a contract late on Monday evening, although it was announced on Wednesday. Aubameyang’s deal runs until 30 June 2025 and includes an option to agree with a departure in June 2023, plus a buyout clause of 100 million euros (£83.4m).
Barcelona feared the move was dead at one point on transfer deadline day despite Aubameyang being in Spain. The former Arsenal man scored 92 goals in 163 games for Arsenal, and he has not played for the Gunners following a disciplinary breach last year December. The striker flew to Spain on Monday to sign for the Spanish giants and was pictured training with them on Tuesday.
His move to Barcelona will save the Gunners about £15m in wages but it leaves manager Mikel Arteta with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah as his only central strikers until the end of the season. In a message posted on social media on Tuesday, the African thanked Arsenal’s fans for their support and said it “hurt” to leave in such circumstances.