Football

Mikel Arteta rules out Barcelona’s chances of signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal in January


Barcelona are keen to sign Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Getty Images)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has warned Barcelona against making a move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before the end of the January transfer window.

Barcelona have reportedly made the 30-year-old their top target to replace Luis Suarez, who is set to miss the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery earlier this month.

Aubameyang will have just a year remaining on his contract at the end of the season and has so far refused to sign a new contract with the Gunners.

Arsenal could now face the prospect of selling their top scorer at the end of the season or risk losing him for free next year.

But despite that scenario on the horizon, Arteta is adamant that he will not allow Aubameyang to leave this month.

Mikel Arteta says he ‘100 per cent’ wants Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to stay (AFP via Getty Images)

Asked what he would say to Barcelona if they are thinking about signing Aubameyang this week, Arteta said after Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth on Monday evening: ‘I want Auba here 100 per cent.

‘I’m so happy with him and I can’t wait to have him available again after suspension.’

Arteta also insisted that the injury to Shkodran Mustafi will not have an impact of Arsenal’s efforts to sign Flamengo centre-back Pablo Mari, who had a medical with the Gunners over the weekend.

‘We had a very clear intention of what we wanted to do in the market with the resources we have and if we can do it, fine,’ said the Arsenal manager.

‘But his [Mustafi] fitness won’t change anything.’





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