Aubameyang joins Barça after Arsenal release

Sports Desk, Feb 1 (EFE).- Arsenal confirmed Tuesday that it released Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, opening the door for the striker to join FC Barcelona on a free transfer.

“Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has left the club by mutual agreement,” the Premier League side in a statement. “We wish Auba all the best for the next chapter in his career and thank him for his contribution to the club.”

The Gunners paid Borussia Dortmund 60 million euros – then a club record – for the Gabon international in January 2018 and he shared the 2018-2019 Premier League Golden Boot with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Aubameyang scored a total 92 goals in 162 appearances for Arsenal, including a brace in the 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the 2020 FA Cup final.

He was the Gunners’ captain for 2 1/2 seasons before a falling out with coach Mikel Arteta due to disciplinary infractions saw him dropped from the squad in early December and had to train apart from his teammates.

Auba was supposed to compete for Gabon in the Africa Cup of Nations, but was sent home early for Covid-19 issues, though he has since tested negative.

The striker, who has relatives in the Barcelona area, traveled to the city on Monday and was spotted at the LaLiga club’s training ground ahead of the formal announcement from Arsenal.

Aubameyang signed an 18-month contract with Barça. EFE

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