Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ‘Odemwingie’ act FAILS! Barcelona loan move has now COLLAPSED

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s prospective loan move to Barcelona has collapsed over figures after both Arsenal and the Spanish giants were surprised that the striker jetted to Spain on Monday. 

Barca finance directors held discussions this morning about how to fit Aubameyang into their salary cap – as the Gabon forward arrived in Catalonia on Monday. 

In a photo circulating on social media on transfer deadline day, the 32-year-old was already in Barcelona posing for photos – yet reports in Spain say Barca weren’t expecting Aubameyang to show up in Spain and nor were Arsenal, bringing back memories of Peter Odemwingie’s infamous QPR transfer saga in 2013. 

The parallels are now distinctly similar with Aubameyang in Spain despite a move not being agreed, and now faces an awkward return to London with talks between the two clubs having collapsed over salary figures.  

Barcelona are reportedly surprised that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has already arrived in Spain (left), bringing back memories of Peter Odemwingie’s transfer saga in 2013 (right)

Aubameyang’s prospective loan move to Barcelona has now collapsed over figures 

Nigerian forward Odemwingie arrived at QPR’s ground, Loftus Road, on deadline day in January 2013 as he looked to facilitate a move from West Brom. 

Odemwingie even conducted an interview with Sky Sports about moving to QPR, insisting he was ‘optimistic’ a deal could materialise.  

However, he was not allowed in the building as the two clubs had not agreed a deal, nor did they reach one as the deadline was reached, leaving Odemwingie red-faced.  

Aubameyang was hoping to finalise his loan and was willing to take a reduction in his estimated £350,000-a-week salary to make it happen if necessary, even flying to Catalonia as he looked to push for a move. 

Yet barring a late change and a different offer from Barca, Aubameyang will not be moving to the Nou Camp today.  

Barcelona’s decision does not hinge on the departure of Ousmane Dembele but losing his wages would make their financial equation easier to solve.

Aubameyang is close to joining Xavi’s LaLiga giants in a loan deal until the end of the season 

Dembele’s representatives remain in contact with Paris St Germain over a potential transfer.

Barcelona have been asking for a £16.5m fee but are open to proposals. Swaps with players have been dismissed so far with names such as Angel Di Maria, Mauro Icardi and Juan Bernat all floated.

Eddie Nketiah is likely to stay at Arsenal should Aubameyang depart, despite a request from Crystal Palace. 

Barcelona’s decision on Aubameyang does not hinge on the departure of Ousmane Dembele 

Arsenal have been looking to move Aubameyang on ever since he was dropped from the squad by coach Mikel Arteta and stripped of the captaincy following a breach of discipline. 

Barcelona have had a busy transfer window, signing Spain striker Ferran Torres from Manchester City for £55million, despite the much publicised financial problems which forced them to part ways with Lionel Messi last year. 

They have also brought Adama Traore back to the club where he began his career, on a loan deal from Wolves.